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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Columns:  Top 10 Orioles storylines of 2016 The Sun 12/30  Free-agent slugger market could open up for Orioles in new year The Sun 12/29  Orioles bullpen a candidate for regression after strong 2016 campaign The Sun 12/28  Orioles right-hander Tyler Wilson looking to learn from last year's struggles The Sun 12/24  Orioles have interest in free-agent Rajai Davis The Sun 12/23  Core group to shape Orioles' success in 2017 MLB.com 12/30  The Hall of Fame Case: Melvin Mora MLB.com 12/30  Orioles powered way to postseason in 2016 MLB.com 12/28  Inbox: What's likelihood of Trumbo returning? MLB.com 12/26  Sharing joy part of O's holiday highlights MLB.com 12/23  This, that and the other MASNsports.com 1/3  Making up resolutions for the Orioles MASNsports.com 1/2  Wondering about your worries in a new year MASNsports.com 1/1  Wondering what’s next for Kim MASNsports.com 12/31  Notes on Givens and Orioles assistant hitting MASNsports.com 12/30  Orioles primed for more late additions MASNsports.com 12/29  This, that and the other MASNsports.com 12/28  : “I think there’s definitely a sense of urgency” MASNsports.com 12/27  Wondering about Rickard’s place on 2017 roster MASNsports.com 12/26  Because You Asked - Home Alone 4 MASNsports.com 12/25  Orioles continuing efforts to improve OBP MASNsports.com 12/24  Duquette: “Still looking for opportunities to build the club” MASNsports.com 12/23  The Orioles may have to move on from Mark Trumbo MASNsports.com 1/2  For starters, another look at the rotation MASNsports.com 1/1  Some final 2016 gripes while looking ahead to 2017 MASNsports.com 12/31  Some fans see the future and are very concerned MASNsports.com 12/30  The Orioles balance a hopeful present with an uncertain future MASNsports.com 12/29  A statistical look at the Orioles’ 2016 team pitching MASNsports.com 12/28  The search for an outfielder continues MASNsports.com 12/26  Christmas Day takes MASNsports.com 12/25  Memo to batters: it high and let it fly MASNsports.com 12/24  Orioles honor local heroes through Birdland Community Heroes, Americana Music programs MASNsports.com 12/31  MLB Rumor Central: Could Mark Trumbo still return to ? ESPN.com 12/27  The Orioles' Unforgettable And Forgettable In 2016 PressBoxOnline.com 12/30  Why An Extension For Jonathan Schoop Makes Sense For Orioles PressBoxOnline.com 12/29  Orioles Should Consider Moving Chris Davis To Right Field PressBoxOnline.com 12/29  Can Tyler Wilson Be A Real Contributor For Orioles In 2017? PressBoxOnline.com 12/28  Could Jesus Liranzo Be Orioles' Next Mychal Givens Or Donnie Hart? PressBoxOnline.com 12/27  Five Things To Know About Orioles Prospect Tanner Scott PressBoxOnline.com 12/26  Post-New Year’s Day buys are now more important than pre-Christmas shopping in baseball BaltimoreBaseball.com 12/28  Thanks for 2016 — and here’s hoping for an even better 2017 at BaltimoreBaseball.com BaltimoreBaseball.com 12/30  Tap-In Question: Besides a World Series, what’s your top 2017 wish for the O’s? BaltimoreBaseball.com 1/2

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-top-10-orioles-storylines-of-2016- 20161229-story.html

Top 10 Orioles storylines of 2016

By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun December 30, 2016

A year when the Orioles hit heaps of home runs and earned a playoff berth ends Saturday, leaving a year’s worth of memories — some good, some bad — for everyone to mull over.

This Orioles’ season had its share of drama, intrigue and downright fun, but most everything fit into a few tidy storylines.

With 2016 wrapping up, here are the top 10 Orioles storylines that played over the calendar year, along with some required reading if you want to freshen up on how it all went down in the moment.

10. Veteran starters disappoint throughout

In a rotation that caused headaches for the entire season, there seemed to be a veteran or two not carrying his weight at all times. Whether it was the slow start and subsequent shelving of Yovani Gallardo with shoulder soreness, the three-month disaster that was Ubaldo Jimenez’s first half, or the uninspiring performance of trade-deadline acquisition Wade Miley, there wasn’t much to smile about for that group.

Jimenez spent essentially two months out of the rotation, and the other two veterans were skipped at times down the stretch. In all, it contributed to a team that was never quite comfortable with its starting rotation. And if you’re looking for a reason why the baseball world doubted the Orioles’ prospects, it was in no small part because of that.

9. Chris Tillman’s tease

The clichés about signifying a new beginning are too apt to leave out. Before that warm April afternoon turned rainy, Chris Tillman was the best version of himself anyone could imagine, striking out five of six batters before the weather ended his day. Through the first month or so of the season, he was a stud. By becoming comfortable with his slider and mixing that in against right-handed batters, Tillman had yet another weapon to help him become the front-line starter the Orioles badly needed.

A shoulder problem contributed to his second half being spoiled a bit, but he still finished with a 3.77 ERA and erased all doubts that his 2015 struggles were anything but health related. Another year like 2016 will mean Tillman is in line for a huge payday next offseason in free agency, but he might never be more electric than he was on Opening Day.

8. What a first half …

In retrospect, what the Orioles were able to do before the All-Star break deserves more kudos than it got. By the end of June, they’d already ripped off three seven-game winning streaks, including one to open the season, and spent all but 15 days in the first half atop the American League East.

That was mostly buoyed by a record-breaking offensive June. In addition to hitting 56 home runs, they led the league in runs (185), hits (294), batting average (.300), on-base percentage (.357) and (.531). It was fun to watch, but it ultimately didn’t last.

7. steps in for Darren O’Day

Part of the Orioles bullpen's strength in recent years hasn’t just been that closer Zach Britton is unhittable, but the fact that he’s not the only person they can rely upon. For four seasons, Darren O’Day was among the game’s best setup men. The Orioles rewarded him as such after he was named to the All-Star Game in 2015, signing him to a four-year, $31 million deal.

But hamstring and shoulder injuries kept him off the mound for much of 2016, and in his place came another All-Star: Brad Brach.

Brach took a massive step forward in the first half of this season, entering the All-Star break with a 0.91 ERA and finishing the year with a 2.05 ERA. He had some problems keeping the ball in the park in the second half. But Brach’s 2016 gives a lot of hope that the Orioles bullpen could be even better next year when it’s at full strength with a health O’Day and all the rest of the parts back.

6. The saga of Hyun Soo Kim and Joey Rickard

Deserved or not, no two players got more attention this year than Joey Rickard and Hyun Soo Kim. Both began the year as unknowns, with Rickard a Rule 5 draft pick and Kim a proven hitter in South Korea but untested in the United States. Rickard was a star in , and started in left field on Opening Day. Kim struggled in spring training, and only made the roster because his contract allowed him to refuse assignment to the minors.

On that fateful April afternoon, Rickard was wildly cheered and Kim was booed when introduced. The former became something of a hero during the Orioles’ seven-game winning streak that opened the season, and Kim hardly played. Over time, however, their roles reversed. Rickard’s season ended in July after he’d become a platoon player, batting .268 before tearing a ligament in his thumb. By the end of May, Kim had become an everyday player and ended the year as a fan favorite, batting .302 with an on-base capability the Orioles desperately needed. Their paths were intertwined all season, and on a team of stars, there was plenty of spotlight left for these two.

5. The Mark Trumbo Renaissance

Possibly a little low for the major league home leader, but that says a lot about the rest of the cast of characters up and down the Orioles roster. He’s a universally recognized value, considering he came from the for backup and mashed 47 home runs while making the All-Star team and adding more power to the Orioles’ potent offense.

He, like so many others on the team, slowed a bit in the second half, but that only accentuates how important his first-half production was to a team that set all kinds of records in June and needed a power bat to make up for Chris Davis’ downswing. He wasn’t the horror show the world seemed to make him out to be defensively, either. Overall, the Orioles continued a trend of finding value in raw power, placing it on a pedestal above all other traits and getting quite a return for it.

4. The first-round picks come good

Dylan Bundy and , selected fourth overall in the draft a year apart, both finally came good as bona fide members of the team’s rotation in 2016. Gausman has been on the scene for a few years, shuffled between the rotation and bullpen, -A and the majors, but was a full-time starting this year and developed into the team’s most reliable — and at times dominant — starter down the stretch.

Bundy spent the first half of the year in the major league bullpen out of necessity, but moved to the rotation at the break and had some dazzling outings upon becoming a starter. His 4.02 ERA doesn’t tell just how impressive he was at times. And if he adds back his cut fastball to an arsenal that seemed one pitch short last season, the Orioles could have two front-end starters that they brought along through the system to anchor their rotation for years to come.

3. The return and regression of Chris Davis

This year began with a bang for the Orioles when they smashed a club record to sign Davis to a seven-year, $161 million contract in early January. Earlier in the offseason, catcher had accepted the qualifying offer to return, and later O’Day had re-signed. So, this was the final piece of the re-assembling of the proverbial band.

As a symbolic gesture, it immunized the Orioles from allegations that they wouldn’t spend money for the foreseeable future. But on the field, Davis’ production made that contract seem onerous. He did end up with 38 home runs, but a thumb injury made it difficult for him to hit consistently all season, and he ended up leading the majors with 219 while batting .221. Even taking into account his defense, Davis’ first year under his new contract was a struggle from the start. The Orioles have to be hoping for more in 2017.

2. Another giant leap for

Here's a guy you can't say that about. It seems silly to hope for more from Manny Machado, but the same would have been said about his progression entering the 2016 season, and he certainly delivered. After breaking out in 2015, Machado created a new set of career highs offensively by batting .294/.343/.533 with 37 home runs, 78 extra-base hits, and 96 RBIs in his age-23 season.

He also showed he can capably handle , when he played there in the absence of J.J. Hardy over seven weeks in May and June, even if the stresses of the position contributed to him slugging starter Yordano Ventura after a beanball incident in June. Overall, the Orioles’ season featured the further growth of an absolute superstar, one whom they’ll need at his best if this iteration of the team hopes to grow into a championship contender in the next few years. The 2016 version is certainly a great start.

1. Zach Britton dominates all year, but not used in wild-card game

What else could be the top storyline? For the second part of this story to matter, you have to establish the first part. Britton was a perfect 47-for-47 in opportunities with a 0.54 ERA, at one point setting the record for most appearances without an earned run in major league history and finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young Award balloting. He was virtually unhittable all year.

Then, of course, with the AL wild-card game tied an in extra , manager Buck Showalter emptied out his bullpen and even turned to the erratic Jimenez without going to his standout closer. In the bottom of the 11th, Edwin Encarnacion ended the game with a blast and the world was left to wonder how Britton didn't get into the game.

Showalter began defiant, but eventually seemed regretful of how the whole thing played out, if for nothing else than the fact that it was such a bad reflection on the Orioles' season and the players who helped them make the playoffs against considerable odds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the baseball playoffs seemed to be influenced by Britton’s non-use. Closers came into games earlier and pitched longer, and Britton’s value seemed to be affirmed with every day that passed. Fair or not, Britton’s season — and the fact he didn’t pitch in the playoffs — will define the 2016 Orioles.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-free-agent-slugger-market-could-open-up- for-orioles-after-new-year-20161229-story.html

Free-agent slugger market could open up for Orioles in new year

By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun December 29, 2016

Before baseball went into a hiatus between Christmas and New Year's Day, the tightened their grip on the top spot in the American League by signing slugger Edwin Encarnacion to a deal worth as much as $85 million over four years.

Its context affects the Orioles in two ways — one looking backward, and the other forward. First, the future ramifications. Earlier this month, the consensus at the winter meetings was that everything would fall into place in the slugger market once Encarnacion signed. There wasn’t much of a chance to have the market shake out during this hiatus, but that’s not to say it can’t start moving.

When it does move, it will do so in a direction the Orioles will probably like. Encarnacion’s guaranteed money is three years and around $65 million, with good short-term value but not a long commitment in terms of years. That’s the top of the hitter market, and everyone else will be slotted below Encarnacion. That means Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, and Chris Carter have had a week to adjust their expectations to the value of their services.

All it takes is one team to give a slugger a contract that’s above market value, but given how slowly everything went at the beginning of the offseason for these hitters, that’s unlikely. And it’s certainly unlikely it's the Orioles who make the first post-Encarnacion move for several reasons.

First, there are reports that Napoli is nearing a return to the . Second, they already jumped the market to get catcher . Third, they might not have the financial flexibility to make that big of a splash before the market suppresses prices further.

That’s where the Orioles can see Encarnacion’s deal, look back and wonder how taking the top slugger off the market at above-market price last year looks now.

The Orioles are going to be in a financial bind for the considerable future after topping the market last offseason with a seven-year, $161 million contract for first baseman Chris Davis. He still has $17 million per year coming his way over the next six seasons, with deferred money coming to him after the deal expires.

Given the return this year, and the reality of having a volatile hitter on your books for six seasons, doubling down on another player who offers power and not much else can’t be appealing to the Orioles at the moment. Lucky for them, there will be power available late in the offseason, as there’s simply not enough teams for all of the best power hitters to find homes at this point. In addition to those listed above, there’s former Oriole Pedro Alvarez, Brandon Moss and even Colby Rasmus out there as a power source at a corner spot.

The Orioles broke through the top of the market to bring back Davis last year, but with plenty of money invested in returning players already, that’s not likely to happen this year for someone like Trumbo.

They could use the Encarnacion signing to their advantage and bring in a player short term, essentially continuing the revolving slugger door that has seen come and go and could end the same way for Trumbo.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-bullpen-a-candidate-for-regression- after-strong-2016-campaign-20161228-story.html

Orioles bullpen a candidate for regression after strong 2016 campaign

By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun December 28, 2016

This month in baseball free agency saw, among other things, the relief market shake out with both the top end and middle tier of relievers signing. The San Francisco Giants walked away with closer Mark Melancon, the New York Yankees brought back Aroldis Chapman and the re-signed Kenley Jansen.

Before that, the traded for Wade Davis and after it, the signed a few mid-tier relievers. But save for the re-signing of Logan Ondrusek, the Orioles have been quiet in adding to their already-strong bullpen. Now that we know the backbone of almost every other bullpen, though, we can see how what the Orioles are bringing back can stack up.

By FanGraphs’ projections, the Orioles' returning bullpen — which ended 2016 as the best in the American League and third best in baseball by ERA — is projected to produce the ninth- highest wins above replacement (WAR) as a collective in baseball in 2017. That measure in 2016 saw the Orioles produce 5.5 WAR from their bullpen, all without much from Darren O’Day but with career years from Zach Britton and Brad Brach.

In 2017, the underlying statistics expect that group to be worth over a full win less, with a 4.0 projected combined WAR. So as with everything, the Orioles will have to outperform their expectations, even in an area perceived as a strength, to get where they want to go.

And like all the rest of the pessimism that Orioles fans rail against, this one is founded. It’s just as likely Britton will revert to his 2015 form (36 saves with a 1.92 ERA) as his 2016 form (47 saves with a 0.54 ERA), with the former worth 2.1 WAR and last year worth 2.5. His projection for 2017 is, coincidentally enough, 2.1.

Brach, too, had a wonderful start to the season, but fell off badly in the second half and ended the year with a 2.05 ERA. Perhaps that’s why he had a 1.6 WAR last year and is only projected for 0.5 this year.

No one, however, illustrates how fine a line there is when using WAR to project performance like this than O’Day. In 2014, he made 68 appearances with a 1.70 ERA and earned 0.9 WAR, and a year later, had 68 appearances with a 1.52 for a 1.8 WAR. There was hardly anything between the two performances, but there was a big difference in WAR.

Next year, O’Day is projected to be worth 0.8 WAR, but past performance for him and everyone else shows how a guy can pop up and outperform in any given year. The Orioles hope that will be the case too with Mychal Givens (0.6 projected WAR in 2017 after compiling 1.2 WAR in his first full season last year).

It’s all a bit early to think about whether the bullpen will be what it once was — we haven’t even considered the possibility of trades — but by this measure, the expectations are certainly tempered.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-right-hander-tyler-wilson-looking- to-learn-from-last-year-s-trails-20161223-story.html

Orioles right-hander Tyler Wilson looking to learn from last year's struggles

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 24, 2016

Most players hit a wall at some point during their rookie season, and Orioles right-hander Tyler Wilson hit his rather dramatically at last season’s midway mark.

Wilson used a strong spring training to earn an Opening Day roster spot and eventually worked his way into the Orioles’ starting rotation. But after making 13 consecutive starts between April 23 and July 2, and posting a 5.67 ERA in that span, Wilson was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles cited fatigue, and Wilson didn’t pitch for nearly two weeks before making his first start for Triple-A Norfolk. He returned to the Orioles on three occasions, but all eight of his remaining big-league appearances came in relief.

“I think there was a lot of good and a lot of bad,” Wilson said, speaking at this month’s Orioles holiday party. “I think the bad is part of the development. My first couple years in the big leagues, there’s a lot of things I’ve learned and that’s a product of those struggles. I’m thankful for that. Obviously, you don't want those struggles as far as results go, but you have to face adversity to be able to learn and grow as a player. So, I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”

As Wilson looks to build on last season’s roller-coaster ride, he remains a valuable depth piece. He showed his capability to provide a spot start or fill in the starting rotation, but he also gave the Orioles critical multiple- relief outings out of the pen.

Looking back at 2016, Wilson said he might have peaked too early in the season. Knowing he was trying to earn a roster spot in spring training, he wanted to give the Orioles a glimpse of his best in March, but he realized that might have led him to tire come midseason.

“I think that’s one of the biggest takeaways from last year is I felt really good in spring training and the first half of the year and then kind of hit a wall, per se, in the second half,” Wilson said. “And the second half is the most important half of the season. I’ve made some adjustments in my offseason training and hopefully can be on the incline going into the second half rather than maxing out earlier in the season when it’s not as valuable.”

Wilson said this offseason, he’s focusing on pacing himself better, working to gain strength going into the season but also not throwing as early to ensure his arm remains live later in the season.

“In years past, I’ve felt like coming into spring training, you always want to drive something and set a tone,” Wilson said. “And let you teammates know that you’ve put your time in in the offseason and are ready to go. I think I maybe started throwing too early and the quantity of work has been a little too much. I felt great in spring training, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint type of sport. I think pushing back my timeline a little bit and alleviating some of that volume is going to lead to a better second half.”

Wilson gave the Orioles one of the best starting pitching performances of the season, throwing eight shutout innings of three-hit ball on June 16 at Fenway Park. It was the first 100-pitch start of his major league career, and he followed it with another one, a six-inning quality start five days later at home against the San Diego Padres in 101 pitches.

But those back-to-back 100-pitch outings seemed to take something out of Wilson. He allowed 12 base runners and five runs over five innings in his next start against Tampa Bay and failed to get an out in the fourth inning on July 2, allowing eight runs on nine hits in his final start before getting demoted. He allowed five homers in his last two starts over eight innings.

When Wilson returned in relief, he seemed to have more life to his fastball, averaging 92-93 mph compared to the 90-91 he averaged as a starter. His ability to induce ground balls plays to the Orioles’ infield defense strength, and manager Buck Showalter has talked about how there is a calming influence when Wilson enters the game out of the bullpen. Throughout the organization, Wilson is seen as a quick study, a pitcher who can overcome having average stuff with having a mental edge.

Having said all of that, it would seem that Wilson’s best fit – at least early in the season next year – would be as a long reliever to succeed departed long man Vance Worley. The fact that Wilson still has minor league options also fits well because it would allow the club to move him down and recall a fresh reliever if he pitches too many relief innings.

Wilson said he’s not thinking about his role on next year’s team.

“We had really good last year and it was a battle to be in the mix sometimes,” Wilson said. “That intra-team competition is a really good thing. ... You go out there and train to do whatever you can to help the team. And whatever role that ends up being, I’ll be prepared for it.”

Wilson gained his roster spot last season by showing the Orioles a rare moxie on the mound. He doesn’t have the best arsenal and doesn’t miss many bats, but his grit helped get hitters out. Still, he allowed 110 hits over 94 innings and posted a 1.426 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched), and if he continues to allow that many baserunners without exemplary stuff, he’s going to get burned more times than not.

“The game is still the game in the big leagues like everybody talks about,” Wilson said. “But there’s certain things that don't necessarily fly in the big leagues that maybe do in the minor leagues. Just witnessing it firsthand, it’s a lot easier to grow and learn from that being on the mound and witnessing those things happen, or the dugout or bullpen, wherever it may be. It’s just a lot easier to witness them happen and learn from those.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-have-interest-in-free-agent- outfielder-rajai-davis-20161223-story.html

Orioles have interest in free-agent outfielder Rajai Davis

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun December 23, 2016

The Orioles remain on the hunt to upgrade their corner outfield spots, specifically in right field, and free-agent Rajai Davis is among the players the club has interest in to fill that hole.

Davis, 36, would add a speed component that the Orioles haven’t had – or prioritized – in recent years. Davis led the American League with 43 stolen bases playing for the Cleveland Indians last season. His stolen-base percentage of 87.76 was second-best in the American League.

Davis’ season was best known for his two-run homer in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series off Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman, a blast that shifted momentum of the decisive game before the Cubs eventually won in extra innings following a rain delay.

He could also fill the Orioles’ need for a leadoff hitter. Davis batted first in 66 of his 107 starts last season for Cleveland and hit .253/.312/.434 atop the batting order. He has a career .258/.309/.383 hitting in the leadoff spot.

The Orioles have expressed varying levels of interest in Davis in the past -- he's been a free agent three times since the end of the 2013 season -- but there might not be more of a need for Davis' skill set than now. In fact, it is believed that the Orioles' interest in Davis has now surpassed their interest in free-agent outfielder Angel Pagan.

Davis’ numbers at the plate took a subtle drop, his .249/.306/.388 hitting line including a batting average that was 18 points lower than his career average, but he also hit a career-high 12 homers, which marked his first season of -digit homers.

Davis’ defense has been a mixed bag. In previous years, his route running in center field has led to decreased playing time, though he seemed to improve his defense last season in Cleveland while splitting time between center field and left field.

He compiled nine total zone runs, a plus-minus statistic that measures the number of runs a player is worth over the average based on the plays he makes at his position. His seven total zone runs in center field ranked fourth among all AL center fielders.

Davis obviously wouldn’t play center field in Baltimore because of , and his corner outfield experience is mostly in left field, but he can play all three outfield spots. He can also give the Orioles a more experienced backup option in center field other than Joey Rickard. Having a more experienced left fielder could also allow the Orioles to experiment with Hyun Soo Kim in right field.

Davis hit right-handed pitching better (.258) than left-handed pitching (.235) last season, but over his career, he has been much more successful against lefties (.288) than righties (.255).

Davis also made just $5.25 million on a one-year flier with the Indians last year, and after turning 36 in October, he could be looking for security more than a higher salary.

The biggest question is whether Davis’ strengths fit the Orioles’ weaknesses. After ranking in the top three in steals four times over the past six seasons going into last year, he led the league in steals for the first time in his career at the age of 35. That in part can be attributed to the fact that the Indians were an aggressive base-stealing team, leading the AL with 134 steals.

The Orioles are anything but that, ranking last in the major leagues with just 19 stolen bases. They would rather round the bases with the ball instead of steal them. But among the club’s top offseason priorities is improving defensively and adding a speed component on the bases.

Having said that, speed can regress quickly in a player, and Davis won his first stolen-base title while in his mid-30s, which you don’t see very often.

But if the Orioles are looking to improve one of their biggest weaknesses, Davis can do that. He is one of just two major league players whose baserunning accounted for at least 10 runs last year.

According to the Fangraphs' baserunning stat BsR -- which takes into account not only steals and caught stealing attempts but also taking extra bases and being thrown out on the bases and makes it into a plus-minus comparison to the average baserunner – Davis’ 10.0 BsR trailed only Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton.

Davis isn't just fast, but he's a also good baserunner, and in the past, the Orioles have struggled combining the two facets.

He also set a new career high with 12 homers and while his on-base percentage is low for a leadoff man, he would give the profile of providing rare pop atop the batting order. And his ability to play all three outfield positions offers defensive flexibility the Orioles need more of in 2017.

There hasn’t been much buzz around Davis this offseason, which means his market likely won’t play out as the calendar switches. He will draw interest because of his speed, but the timing could also play into the Orioles hands since they are so savvy at waiting out the market, even though the club would like to have added outfield clarity sooner than later.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/211840944/core-group-will-be-key-for-orioles-in-2017/

Core group to shape Orioles' success in 2017 Veteran returnees will be key as club looks to fill in roster this offseason

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 30, 2016

BALTIMORE -- What to make of baseball next year in Baltimore?

The Orioles will return the core of their rotation, All-Star closer Zach Britton and third baseman Manny Machado, who is coming off a career year. The club has a ridiculously good bullpen, but big question marks in the outfield and a lineup heavy on power and strikeouts.

The O's haven't been particularly active so far this offseason, but that is executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette's MO. Baltimore already has serious money committed -- including more than $95 million for eight players -- and arbitration will ensure that the O's exceed last year's Opening Day payroll, for a new franchise record.

But will it be enough? Here are some of the biggest lingering questions for the new year.

1. What will happen with Mark Trumbo? The Majors' home run leader, Trumbo had a magnificent season and was singlehandedly responsible for numerous Orioles wins. But, right now, he's a free agent and the O's -- while trying to reach an agreement -- are left with a large hole. Bringing back Trumbo would keep most of a devastating lineup intact and be a big offseason move for Duquette.

2. Can the starting pitching hold up? The Orioles' rotation did fare better in the second half of the season. But is that enough? Duquette has made it clear the O's will not go after pitching this offseason, meaning the current group -- which ranked at the bottom of the American League -- will be tasked with stepping up. Kevin Gausman and are reason enough for optimism, though the organizational depth could quickly get thin if there's an injury this spring.

3. How will the post-Matt Wieters era go? For the first time since 2008, the Orioles will go into Spring Training knowing that a backstop not named Wieters will be getting the bulk of the playing time. Wieters -- now a free agent -- has been replaced by Welington Castillo, who signed a one-year deal with a player option. Castillo is a veteran with a good bat, and he'll ensure that No. 2 Orioles prospect Chance Sisco isn't rushed to the big leagues. The O's are also hoping for a bounce-back year from Caleb Joseph, who will compete with Francisco Pena for the backup spot.

4. Who is playing alongside Adam Jones? The O's primary offseason goals have been catching and outfield, and they'd ideally like a left- handed hitter on one side of Jones to help balance the lineup. They'd also like to get some better outfield defense to help the pitching staff and alleviate Jones from having to cover so much ground out of center field. Obviously Trumbo could play into this mix, though Hyun Soo Kim, who platooned in 2016, could be poised for a breakout sophomore year, and former Rule 5 Draft pick Joey Rickard is expected to be fully healthy this spring. Expect a few external candidates to make the outfield a fun competition this spring.

5. Can Duquette and manager Buck Showalter pull off another upset? The Orioles were predicted by some outside of the organization to finish last in 2016, and they stormed out of the gate with a first half that put them in first place and 15 games over .500. They went on to the postseason, falling in the AL Wild Card Game to the Blue Jays. Duquette and Showalter are no stranger to low expectations and seem to thrive off surprising people. With largely the same group, can they do it again?

http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2016/12/30/210183868

The Hall of Fame Case: Melvin Mora

By Ben Cosman / MLB.com Cut 4 December 30, 2016

The likes of Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines -- and even first-timers like or Pudge Rodriguez -- shouldn't have too much trouble racking up National Baseball Hall of Fame votes. But there are plenty of other players on the 2017 ballot who require a little more voter- cajoling. Players that may not have the on-field resume, but deserve an impassioned Hall of Fame case nonetheless. Players like …

Melvin Mora. He played 13 years in MLB with four different teams, but he's mostly known for the 10 seasons he spent with the Orioles and the 37 different positions he manned throughout his career. There's an entire case to be made for Mora's Hall of Fame candidacy -- and it will be made, don't worry -- but really, the conversation should begin and end with this:

Yes, you are seeing that correctly: His home run bounced on top of the freakin' foul pole.

In an otherwise unremarkable game between the Orioles and Tigers at Camden Yards on July 17, 2008, Mora hit a sixth-inning go-ahead home run off that came down directly on top of the left-field foul pole and bounced into the stands below. It's been repeated since, but the 146th home run of Mora's career remains one of the coolest dingers ever:

Honestly, that foul pole should be removed and enshrined directly behind Mora's plaque in Cooperstown. But if you still need some convincing of Mora's Hall worthiness, just keep reading:

He filled a Cal Ripken Jr.-sized hole in Baltimore

Although he spent the majority of his career at shortstop, Ripken was the O's third baseman for his last five years. So, when Ripken retired from baseball and the Orioles in 2001, he left a hole at third base. Tony Bautista put in two solid seasons, but Mora took over third base in 2004 and spent the rest of his time in Baltimore at the hot corner. In fact, he ended up playing more games at third base than any Oriole not named -- no wonder Mora's in the Orioles Hall of Fame. As he told the Baltimore Sun when he was inducted in 2015:

"It's not easy to replace a guy like Cal Ripken Jr., and to play the position that Brooks Robinson played so well for so many years. It's kind of hard."

Kind of?

Those other two guys are in Cooperstown, by the way.

He gave us delightful moments like that time he tried to take an at-bat with the donut still on

Most Major Leaguers slide a weighted donut on their bat while they're in the on-deck circle. Most, though, take it off before stepping into the batter's box. Not Mora: And look how much that delighted his teammates:

He put the super in super-utility man

But before he was installed at third base in Baltimore, Mora played, well, everywhere. Over the course of his 13 seasons, he played every position on the diamond but pitcher and catcher. During his first (and only) postseason with the Mets, Mora threw out runners left and right -- literally from left field and right field.

Mora even played 14 games as the Orioles' designated hitter -- because why be a great player at one position when you can be a great player at all of them?

He's the father of quintuplets

Mora's five kids were born on July 28, 2001, halfway through his first full season in Baltimore. Here's a fun paragraph from a 2002 New York Times story headlined "The Utilityman in the Nursery" on Mora's family:

"The Mora babies go through plenty of formula and roughly 35 diapers a day. 'When we buy groceries people ask us, "Who are you giving food to?"' Mora said. 'They think it's like a donation or something.'"

And here's a video of the kids as 13-year-olds, helping dad throw out a first pitch:

This GIF again, just because

C'mon, tell me that doesn't belong in Cooperstown.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/211830780/orioles-reach-postseason-in-successful-2016/

Orioles powered way to postseason in 2016 Slugging offense, Britton anchoring 'pen yielded success, Wild Card berth

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 28, 2016

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles exceeded external expectations in 2016. Inside the O's clubhouse, there were expectations of a deep postseason run and proving everyone else wrong.

But despite falling short of the goal of October glory -- Baltimore suffered a tough season-ending loss to division-rival Toronto in the American League Wild Card Game -- the O's had another winning season in 2016 and left with plenty to be proud of. There were numerous AL All-Stars, guys who had career years, and a ridiculous power display that had the ability to wow all of baseball on any given night.

Before the calendar flips and all attention shifts to 2017, let's take one last look back. Here are the top five storylines from last season.

1. Zach Britton's All-Star season ... and postseason disappearance. There was no denying that Britton had a special season. The O's closer went a perfect 47-for-47 in save opportunities and was part of the All-Star Game in San Diego. Britton, who received the AL's Reliever of the Year Award, was also nowhere to be found in the Orioles' biggest game of the season.

O's manager Buck Showalter warmed up the lefty several times but never used him in the 11- inning loss to the Blue Jays. The move was talked about more than the Orioles' season ending as Britton was perfectly healthy.

"It was just frustrating having to sit there watching that,'' Britton said, "and not being able to pitch. It's frustrating watching the guys battle ahead of you. You want to go in there, and do the same. But it's not my call."

Said Showalter after the loss: "There's so many different things that go on. You can use Zach Britton in the seventh and eighth inning and not have anybody to pitch the last inning. So there's a lot of risk taken every inning, every pitch. You take that on when you get in this format."

2. That insane power. Mark Trumbo's 47 homers lead the Majors. Trumbo and Chris Davis -- who led the Majors in homers in 2015 -- combined for 85 homers on the year as the O's trotted out a deep lineup that had six guys with at least 20 home runs.

3. It's Manny's world Manny Machado had a career year offensively as he continued to establish himself as one of baseball's best all-around players. The 24-year-old, who put on a nightly defensive clinic at third base, batted .294 with 37 homers and 96 RBIs. He was named the Most Valuable Oriole in September.

"It's always an honor," Machado said at the time. "It's something that's humbling. I see it more as a team thing. The team gave me the opportunity to put up the numbers that I had, and have the great season that we all had."

4. Waiting on the starters' surge The rotation was in a constant state of flux in 2016, as the team's bullpen and offense helped keep it competitive most nights. While rookie Dylan Bundy was a nice story, he moved from the 'pen to the rotation out of need and was cautiously moved along, tiring some at the end.

Yovani Gallardo had a disappointing first year with his new club, and midseason acquisition Wade Miley was slow to adapt to Baltimore as well. Ubaldo Jimenez struggled and was removed from the rotation, only to rebound and become one of the Orioles' best starters down the stretch. Overall, though, starting pitching was again an area of weakness for Baltimore and a major storyline.

5. Red-hot start Baltimore came firing out of the gate, winning seven games in a row to open the season. The O's rode that first week to an early first-place standing.

On June 1, they were two games back of the Red Sox at 29-22; to open July they were four games up on the Sox at 47-32. When the first half closed, the O's were on top of the AL East and 15 games above .500 (51-36) on the way to an 89-73 finish and a tie with the Blue Jays in the standings, four games behind the 93-69 Red Sox.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/212122582/what-are-chances-mark-trumbo-returns-to-os/

Inbox: What's likelihood of Trumbo returning? Orioles beat reporter Brittany Ghiroli answers questions from fans

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 26, 2016

With most teams in a lull, off to celebrate the holidays, it's a perfect time to delve into your questions and do one final Inbox this year.

What are the chances of Mark Trumbo returning? -- Matt C., Catonsville, Md.

That depends on what day and time this is being read. (I'm joking.) There has been a lot of back and forth already this winter regarding Trumbo, though one thing is pretty obvious: the Orioles want him to come back. Whether their deal is on or off the table or his camp is demanding this or that, there's one very important thing to keep in mind: all of that can change in seconds.

As you saw with the Chris Davis negotiations last offseason, things can turn quickly. The O's are a better offensive team with Trumbo, and Baltimore should be an intriguing place for him to stay. Will it get done? Will the money line up on both sides? It's impossible, as we sit here in late December, to handicap it one way or the other.

Do you think the Orioles should try to trade a guy like Ubaldo Jimenez or Wade Miley? -- Tom M., Bowie, Md.

Not right now. The O's do have six guys for five spots in the rotation, yes. But they don't have depth beyond that. I get your point -- that Jimenez and Miley, along with Yovani Gallardo, are all in contract years. But until the Orioles get through the spring healthy and see how the team is performing, I don't see where this makes sense. They wouldn't get an impact guy for this year's team in dealing either one of those pitchers. If guys like Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson take steps forward and try to push for a rotation spot -- or the team has a bad first half -- then you can start discussing things. But no, I don't think you should now. You're one injury away from needing both of them.

Will Dylan Bundy be limited if he's in the rotation again? -- Jeff F., Washington

Yes, but not to the extent that he was this past season. Keep in mind, Bundy was pitching in his first full season and no one knew what to expect. This spring, he'll be stretched out as a starter and he'll have an increased workload. Will he go 180 innings? No, considering he pitched 109 2/3 innings this past year. But assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to make more than 14 starts and be a contributor.

I saw a story saying the Orioles should trade guys like Manny Machado and Zach Britton now. What are your thoughts on that? -- Scott F., Baltimore

If the Orioles get off to a poor start in 2017, they'd be crazy to not consider offers for a guy like Machado, who would command a significant haul back. It wouldn't be a popular move (neither would trading Britton), but it would have to be considered if it appears early on that the team isn't going to the postseason. Both Machado and Britton can be free agents after the 2018 season. When fans complain about a lack of moves made in offseasons like this one, it's important to note it's not always about the money. The Orioles can't make impact trades because they don't have any highly ranked prospects to do so. Guys like Machado and Britton would help re-stock the farm system, no matter how painful it may be to see them traded away.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/211881234/orioles-caleb-joseph-shares-holiday-joy/

Sharing joy part of O's holiday highlights

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com December 23, 2016

BALTIMORE -- Caleb Joseph, one of the Orioles' most outgoing personalities, arrived all smiles at the 38th annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party for kids at Dave & Buster's.

Joseph has been using the offseason to play another role, that of dad, and the O's catcher was gearing up for the second Christmas with his son, Walker.

"[I've been] taking a lot of trips to McDonald's, playing in the playpens," Joseph said of his offseason schedule. "Getting ready for Christmas, getting jacked up. Trying to find various John Deere trucks and stuff to buy the little guy. This year's going to be fun because he can finally enjoy some toys instead of just not really understanding what's going on, so we're getting excited."

Joseph has also been following what the Orioles are doing this Hot Stove season. Those moves include adding catcher Welington Castillo, a transaction that puts Joseph in a competition with Francisco Pena for the backup spot.

Speaking before the move was made, Joseph -- who talked about the slim possibility of Matt Wieters returning -- is ready to embrace whatever role the team asks him to fill.

"And If your name is called, you've got to be ready. But, look, we made the playoffs last year. We made it in 2014, and I just want to get back to the playoffs. It was not fun watching the other teams in there knowing we were really close. Playing October baseball is just super-special, and I want to be a part of that. Whatever role that is, I'm willing to suit up and go with it."

Joseph hit just .174 in 49 games last season, with three extra-base hits (all doubles) and no RBIs. In 2015, he hit 11 homers with 49 RBIs over 100 games.

"It's a season I'm ready to put back in the rearview mirror," Joseph said of 2016. "I'm looking forward; I'm looking ahead. I really believe I can contribute. I contributed defensively, and I know I can contribute offensively. I had a really good season in '15. I know this is a what-have- you-done-for-me-lately sport, and it's my job to control that lately part. I'm preparing right now and excited to go play some video games with the kids."

Joseph was joined by teammates Darren O'Day, Chris Davis and Tyler Wilson as part of the O's holiday party, which hosted 80 outpatients from the University of Maryland Children's Hospital (UMCH). The party involved the players serving lunch, distributing holiday gifts and playing games with the children.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/01/this-that-and-the-other-134.html

This, that and the other

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com January 3, 2017

The new year began with another report that the Orioles are interested in re-signing designated hitter Pedro Alvarez.

It still holds true. They’ve been open to the idea since he hit the free agent market. However, as I’ve written, he could be the type of late signing that brought him to Baltimore last spring and has become executive vice president Dan Duquette’s signature move.

Signing Alvarez would be a clear signal that the Orioles have moved away from Mark Trumbo unless they’ve suddenly decided that last year’s home run leader could return to right field. They’re not going to platoon Trumbo and Alvarez in the DH role and they’re insisting that they want to upgrade their outfield defense.

The Orioles have made it a priority to find a left-handed hitter. They could re-sign Alvarez to platoon with Trey Mancini at DH and still sign a left-handed bat for right field.

In other words, nothing has changed since we made it through the holidays. Same shopping list, same potential to retain Alvarez.

* The list of available outfielders in free agency also includes Alejandro De Aza, who appeared in 20 games with the Orioles in 2014 and 30 in 2015 before moving on to three other teams. De Aza isn’t on the Orioles’ radar as they continue their search for a right fielder - preferably one who bats from the left side and can lead off. De Aza is drawing interest, but not from the club that traded him to the Red Sox for pitcher Joe Gunkel, who was placed on the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft.

Gunkel will be one of the more interesting pitchers to follow in spring training. The Orioles have no idea whether his stuff can play in the majors. There are mixed opinions in the organization and it’s time to find out.

Gunkel, who turned 25 on Dec. 30, posted a 2.59 ERA and 0.958 WHIP in 17 starts at Double-A Bowie in 2015. He was a combined 8-14 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.261 WHIP last season at Bowie (four starts) and Triple-A Norfolk (24 starts).

In four minor league seasons, Gunkel averages 0.7 home runs, 1.6 walks and 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s sporting a 3.30 ERA and 1.115 WHIP over 430 1/3 innings.

Solid command and a repeatable delivery certainly work in Gunkel’s favor. But again, no one knows if he can take the next step and at least compete for a long relief role.

On the day that the Orioles protected the former 18th round pick, executive vice president Dan Duquette said: “Joe Gunkel is able to use a three-pitch mix effectively to keep hitters off-balance and has excellent command of his pitches.”

* Paul Janish remains a free agent after refusing the Orioles’ outright assignment to Norfolk.

Janish, 34, became a free agent on Oct. 13 after passing through waivers. He decided to test the market while hoping that the Orioles would retain interest.

Manager Buck Showalter is a huge supporter of Janish, placing tremendous value on the infielder’s defense at shortstop and general approach to the game. The Orioles will continue to keep an eye on him as the offseason plays out.

Janish re-signed with the Orioles last winter, accepting a minor league deal over a similar offer from the Astros. He went 6-for-31 in 14 games and batted .248/.333/.280 with eight doubles and 18 RBIs with 76 games with Norfolk.

Janish committed only two errors in 297 chances with the Tides. It’s always a glove story with this guy.

* I still can’t figure out why the Mets would trade pitcher Logan Verrett to the Orioles for cash, practically giving him away while he has another minor league option and is under team control through 2022.

They created a spot on the 40-man roster, of course, but is that the only reason?

Verrett was 3-8 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.560 WHIP in 35 games (12 starts) last season over 91 2/3 innings and he averaged 4.2 walks per nine innings. However, he registered a 2.84 ERA in 23 games out of the bullpen and could replace Vance Worley.

* I mailed in my Hall of Fame ballot a few weeks ago and took the usual amount of abuse on Twitter because, of course, we’re all supposed to agree.

Filling out a ballot used to be an enjoyable endeavor and it still remains an honor, but it’s also become stressful due to the 10-player limit and the pressure to decide whether to include “cheaters.” Or more to the point, which guys actually cheated.

I finally gave in and included Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, which brought the predictable amount of heat from fans. Of course, I also used to get ripped for excluding them. Either way, I’m told that I should lose my voting privileges.

I can’t explain the overall surge in support for Bonds and Clemens. I’m sure the reasons vary. But I just grew tired of, as my friend Jerry Crasnick at ESPN.com described it, “the hypocrisy with all the guessing.” And there’s no way to know whether I’d already voted in guys who weren’t “clean” despite their sparkling reputations.

Here’s my ballot, in case you missed it:

Jeff Bagwell Barry Bonds Roger Clemens Vladimir Guerrero Trevor Hoffman Edgar Martinez Tim Raines Ivan Rodriguez Lee Smith

I’ve got one final chance to get Smith into the Hall of Fame and it’s going to fail again. So be it.

The two omissions that I hope to correct next year are Larry Walker and Billy Wagner. The 10- player limit worked against them. And I should give more consideration to Curt Schilling. I just won’t support his Twitter account.

* I was saddened to learn last week of the passing of Rob Belanger, son of Orioles Hall of Famer , after a three-year battle with prostate cancer.

Rob was chairman and co-founder of the Belanger-Federico Foundation/Cool Kids Campaign to honor his father and to help others whose lives are affected by cancer. Lung cancer took Mark Belanger’s life in 1998.

Rob never sought pity and continued to live his life to the fullest - playing in his church band, coaching his girls’ softball teams and attending Cool Kids events until a few weeks before his death.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob and contributing to the campaign via a celebrity roast - the jokes at my expense will stay with me forever - and certainly enjoyed watching Mark play shortstop when I was a kid. Brooks and Belanger on the left side of the infield. It just didn’t get any better.

Cancer has taken father and son, and continues to rob us of family and friends. It’s got to stop.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/01/making-up-resolutions-for-the-orioles.html

Making up resolutions for the Orioles

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com January 2, 2017

I’ve never been a stickler for New Year’s resolutions, mainly because I break them like crystal speed bumps. Work out more, work out less, eat healthier, worry less, stop complaining, start appreciating, read more books, book more trips that don’t include a seventh-inning stretch.

I don’t want to be held accountable, but I’m willing to be held if I become emotional.

Anyway, let’s play around with a few resolutions related to the Orioles.

Should Adam Jones include one about becoming more patient at the plate?

Let’s go back to that speed bump. It wouldn’t last.

Jones comes to the plate in full attack mode and he’s carved out a nice career with his approach, including five All-Star Game appearances, a and three seasons receiving Most Valuable Player votes.

Jones is in the fraternity that believes you may see only one good pitch in an at-bat, and if it’s the first offering, don’t let it pass. He hit .302/.321/.632 with 11 home runs last season when putting the first pitch in play, .426/.418/.759 with five home runs on a 1-0 count and .373/.377/.463 with an 0-1 count.

We tend to remember the first-pitch outs when the opposing hurler is laboring, and yes, helping out a guy who can’t find the plate raises the blood pressure.

No sense in Jones changing his stripes - and let’s hope he’s not wearing them after 2018. He came up big when the Orioles needed a leadoff hitter, posting a .282/.320/.471 slash line with 24 home runs in 108 games. He’s expected to move down the order this year, providing some thump in the middle.

He also figures to improve on a .218/.268/.313 slash line against left-handers. He owns a career .264 average against them.

Should Chris Davis make a resolution to bunt more against the shift?

He addressed the topic last month, weighing the pros and cons.

(I’m aware that pros get weighed on their respective teams, but do cons get weighed in prison? Asking for a friend.)

“I have laid down bunts in the past, some really good ones and some really bad ones, and they don’t care,” Davis said. “I’ve talked to a number of guys on several teams asking, ‘What is your goal whenever you shift me?’ And they say, ‘We’d rather have you go 4-for-4 with four bunt singles than go 1-for-4 and hit a three-run homer.’ They’re like, ‘You lay one down, you’re playing into our hands. We want you to do that.’ That’s why these shifts are so dramatic.

“Believe me, it’s frustrating to go home after you’ve hit three balls or four balls on the screws and the third baseman is catching it 10 feet in front of the right fielder.”

I believe that Davis should more often take what the other team is giving him, especially to lead off an inning or if he’s slumping and comes to the plate with the Orioles down by a run or two. But he’s not going to transition into a life of small ball.

Should Zach Britton make a resolution to not be perfect?

Crazy talk. Just don’t fall into a deep depression if he blows a save. He’s an extremely tough act to follow.

Should Jonathan Schoop make a resolution to play 162 games again in 2017?

I’d tweak it and vow again to do everything in his power to stay healthy and remain available to manager Buck Showalter. And understand when his streak ends.

Showalter wants to use his bench more, however it’s constructed, and Schoop probably would benefit from taking a breather.

Schoop batted .304/.338/.509 in the first half and .225/.252/.391 after the break. He hit .196/.222/.348 in the last 29 games.

Did he wear down? We can only speculate, but there seems to be evidence of it.

On an unrelated note - maybe it’s more of a statistical oddity - Schoop hit four home runs in April, May, July, August and September/October. He hit five in June.

Should Welington Castillo make a resolution to reduce his number of passed balls?

He clearly doesn’t want to go in the other direction after tying for the National League lead with 10. He also committed seven errors and was behind the plate for 42 wild pitches.

Castillo isn’t a disaster defensively, but he could benefit from working with bench coach John Russell, who also tutors the , and roving catching instructor Donnie Werner. Castillo’s mitt work will come under closer scrutiny in the ninth inning. It isn’t easy catching Britton’s upper-90s sinking fastball and you don’t want to pick it up at the backstop.

Should Ryan Flaherty make a resolution to replace Castillo for an inning?

Flaherty has played every position except center field and catcher. He even pitched an inning last season.

Backing up Jones for an inning wouldn’t be as impressive as moving behind the plate. And Flaherty is believed to be one of the emergency catchers. The name never is revealed, but we usually can figure it out.

Let’s cross that one off the position list for Flaherty and really put the “super” in super .

Should Ubaldo Jimenez make a resolution to become a faster starter?

I’m not talking about his pace on the mound. I’m referring to his 7.77 ERA in the first inning last season.

Jimenez allowed 24 runs (21 earned) and 38 hits in the opening frame and served up four home runs. He also walked 18 batters and surrendered 10 stolen bases in 11 attempts.

As Castillo will find out, Jimenez isn’t particularly good at holding runners. Captain Obvious says Jimenez will make life easier for everyone if he doesn’t fall behind so early in games.

Should Chris Tillman borrow Jimenez’s resolution?

Tillman wasn’t as bad as Jimenez in the first frame, but his 15 runs (14 earned) and 33 hits were his highest totals in any inning.

Tillman might choose to focus on his uneven home/road splits, though I’m not sure how he’d address them. He was 12-2 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.226 WHIP in 19 starts at Camden Yards and 4-4 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.398 WHIP in 11 outings away from it.

The good news is no one asked him about it - every single time he stood at his locker after a start.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/01/wondering-about-your-worries-in-a-new- year.html

Wondering about your worries in a new year

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com January 1, 2017

Any headaches out there? Anyone popping Tums like they’re Skittles? Anyone chugging Pepto like it’s your job?

I’m kinda/sorta on vacation through Tuesday. I’ve been scouting the Tampa/St. Petersburg area in case I need to alert the Orioles of any changes before their next series against the Rays. And there’s that trip to George Steinbrenner Field when they play the Yankees in spring training.

If I’m forced to sleep late or sit by a pool or watch football at a bar, so be it.

The laptop is never far from reach, so I’ll be able to respond if there’s actual news. But my goal is to stay away from Twitter like it’s transmitting the stomach flu.

As long as some of you are hurting from last night’s festivities, let’s add to the pain and consider your biggest Orioles concerns as the offseason enters a new year. It’s keeping with the theme of suffering.

How would you arrange or replace the following?

Who’s playing right field?

If the season started today, I suppose former Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard would serve as Mark Trumbo’s replacement. You may notice a drop in power, though his hair game is on point.

Rickard offers more speed and could develop into a leadoff hitter, but the Orioles would like him to serve as a fourth or fifth outfielder as he continues his education in the majors.

You’ve read the list of free agents who interest the Orioles. They all come with pluses and minuses. There’s no perfect solution. But they potentially fit a budget that’s not going to expand much beyond attempts to re-sign Trumbo and raises to arbitration-eligible players.

Who’s getting on base?

The Orioles routinely rank near or at the bottom in on-base percentage and vowed again this winter to improve. Hyun Soo Kim was a step in the right direction last year. Who’s next?

New catcher Welington Castillo owns a career .318 OBP in seven major league seasons, the exact same as Matt Wieters in eight seasons. And Castillo thus far is the biggest move of the offseason.

Rule 5 outfielder Aneury Tavarez posted a .379 OBP at Double-A Portland last season, which brings the same level of comfort as an itchy blanket. Nothing against Tavarez, of course. He was a smart pick. But the Orioles don’t know whether he’s going to break camp with the them, let alone whether Eastern League skills transfer to the majors in one year.

The rotation

No need to expand on the title. This pretty much covers it.

The Red Sox also have six starters for five spots, but they include Chris Sale, and Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello. It’s not quite the same in Baltimore.

The Orioles like their depth and are buoyed by the rotations’ ERA in September, lowest in the majors. The starters had a 5.15 ERA in the first half and a 4.24 ERA in the second.

They figure to head into spring training with Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Yovani Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez and Wade Miley, with a trade possible later in camp. They’re banking on Gausman and Bundy to really emerge in 2017 and on Gallardo to have a bounce-back season now that he’s healthy. On Jimenez to stay on his late-season roll and Miley to be more consistent now that he’s not pressing to impress.

The rotation’s 4.72 ERA ranked 24th in the majors. The Orioles are convinced that it can climb. Are you?

Other teams in the division are making bold moves

Speaking of Chris Sale ...

The Red Sox traded for Sale because they could, and they also signed first baseman Mitch Moreland. The Yankees signed Matt Holiday and Aroldis Chapman. The Blue Jays signed and Steve Pearce and remain in talks with Jose Bautista.

The Orioles aren’t trying to keep up. They know who they are, as manager Buck Showalter likes to say. Which means they know their strengths and limitations. Life goes on.

Doesn’t mean you have to like it or approve, of course.

The window is closing

Tillman is a pending free agent next winter and J.J. Hardy could join him, depending on his option. The 2018 list includes Adam Jones, Manny Machado, Zach Britton and Brad Brach.

Showalter and executive vice president Dan Duquette also are under contract through 2018. Major changes could be on the horizon.

Letting the market play out makes fans fidgety under the most ideal circumstances. How about now?

Feel free to add to the list. Maybe you’re more concerned about the loss of power if Trumbo doesn’t re-sign. Or the club’s refusal to consider trade proposals for Britton and Machado. Or the pressure that Caleb Joseph must be facing to get off the RBI schneid. Or who’s going to have a cooler nickname than “Vanimal?”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/wondering-whats-next-for-kim.html

Wondering what’s next for Kim

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 31, 2016

Let me begin by wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year, in case we don’t talk at midnight. Please drink responsibly and try to avoid the amateurs on the road.

As far as I’m concerned, the ball can drop on 2016 and smash it to pieces. Too many deaths this year. Too many painful reminders that life is precious and can be taken from us in the blink of an eye.

We get it.

The list of pending free agents following the 2017 season includes outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, often forgotten because we tend to obsess over starter Chris Tillman and shortstop J.J. Hardy, the latter having an option in his contract for 2018.

Kim signed a two-year, $7 million contract in December 2015 and wasn’t subject to arbitration eligibility, despite information on his Baseball-Reference.com page. He can be two and done.

The Orioles haven’t considered a contract extension for Kim, who appeared in only 95 games last season as a platoon player in left field. He led them in average (.302) and on-base percentage (.382) and was 6-for-9 with a double, home run and two walks as a pinch-hitter. But they’re still figuring him out.

Can he play left field every day rather than sit against left-handers, who held him hitless in 18 at- bats? He’s better than advertised defensively, but can he improve? And what’s his best spot in the lineup?

Some answers won’t come while the roster remains under construction. Moves are pending that could impact Kim, especially with the Orioles searching for a leadoff hitter and contemplating a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon in left.

Kim would seem to be a nice fit at or near the top of the lineup due to his patient at-bats and ability to get on base, a rare trait among Orioles who like to tee it high and let it fly. He isn’t a threat to steal bases, swiping one in four attempts, but the Orioles tend to go the unconventional route atop the order.

Bringing in a leadoff hitter would leave the No. 2 spot open for Kim, but maybe not if it’s a left- handed batter. Manager Buck Showalter likes to alternate left and right when he’s able to do it.

Kim was written into two lineups as the leadoff hitter and went 1-for-6 with three walks. However, he was 19-for-63 (.302) when leading off an inning, including six doubles and two home runs.

Showalter put Kim in the second slot in 61 games, and the former KBO star responded by hitting .283/.351/.369.

The Orioles roster was filled with players who dropped off in the second half, and Kim was no exception, though his decline wasn’t as steep. He batted .329/.410/.454 with three home runs in 46 games in the first half and .275/.353/.386 with three home runs in 49 games after the break.

Kim won’t hit .600 again in April because he’s bound to receive more than 15 at-bats. He was buried on the bench after refusing a minor league assignment, a storyline that won’t be repeated next spring.

He’d prefer to not repeat his .235 average in September/October.

Kim emerged as one of the club’s best clutch hitters in 2016. He batted .306/.375/.388 (15-for- 49) with one home run and 14 RBIs with runners in scoring position and was 8-for-22 with seven RBIs with RISP and two outs.

Only four Orioles had higher averages with RISP and none of them accumulated as many at- bats. Trey Mancini was 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs, Ryan Flaherty was 11-for-31 with four doubles and 12 RBIs, Michael Bourn was 4-for-12 with a home run and seven RBIs, and Francisco Pena was 3-for-9 with a home run and three RBIs.

The group below Kim included Hardy (.295), Adam Jones (.291), Joey Rickard (.289) and Mark Trumbo (.285). Chris Davis batted .194.

I’ll close today’s blog entry by repeating that Flaherty was 11-for-31 with 12 RBIs with RISP. Does this news surprise anyone?

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/notes-on-givens-and-orioles-assistant- hitting-coach.html

Notes on Givens and Orioles assistant hitting coach

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 30, 2016

Orioles reliever Mychal Givens will attend the team’s minicamp next month in Sarasota. He offered confirmation yesterday on MLB Network Radio.

Givens isn’t a minor leaguer in need of assessment and he isn’t recovering from an injury or surgery. However, he was expected to make the drive again from his Tampa home and start the bonding process with new pitching coach Roger McDowell. He also will be reunited with bullpen coach , his former pitching coach at Double-A Bowie.

Givens, 26, also said he’s looking forward to working with new catcher Welington Castillo, though he’s going to miss Matt Wieters. Maybe Castillo will mention the Sept. 25 game at Camden Yards when Givens accidentally drilled him with a pitch over the course of two scoreless innings.

It was the only way the Diamondbacks could make contact. Givens didn’t allow a hit and he struck out four of the seven batters he faced.

With closer Zach Britton’s historic season and Brad Brach’s sensational first half, it’s easy to overlook how Givens went 8-2 with a 3.13 ERA and 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings over his 66 appearances. He helped to fill the void while Darren O’Day made two stops on the disabled list.

Givens is 10-2 with a 2.75 ERA and 1.156 WHIP in parts of two seasons with the Orioles spanning 88 games. He’s averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings as a continuing work in progress after making the transition from minor league shortstop to pitcher in 2013.

The matchups with left-handers need to swing more in Givens’ favor. They batted .366/.464/.561 against him this year. Right-handers batted .156/.262/.242.

“If he gets a little bit more consistent with his off-speed stuff against lefties, he’s going to be able to close, too. And he’s young, he’s a tiger,” executive vice president Dan Duquette said earlier this month.

“You saw how he pitched against the Blue Jays. Seven up, seven down in the playoffs. He went right through that lineup at a time when it really counted, and I’ve just got a lot of faith in Mychal Givens that he’s going to develop into a closer, too.”

Manager Buck Showalter mentioned this month that Givens has “another level” he’s capable of reaching, in part because the right-hander gained more confidence in one of his off-speed pitches.

“We just got him to where he’d throw his changeup the last month of the season and defend himself against left-handed hitters,” Showalter said. “He was stubborn with it, but finally he started having some success with it. Mychal has got a chance to go to another level, too.”

The Orioles’ minicamp roster hasn’t been announced, but outfielder Joey Rickard, catchers Chance Sisco and Austin Wynns and pitcher Richard Rodriguez are expected to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Pitcher Logan Verrett, the former Rule 5 pick acquired from the Mets for cash considerations, also could attend.

* Howie Clark, who spent the 2016 season as Double-A Bowie’s hitting coach, is expected to be hired as the Orioles’ new assistant hitting coach.

Clark is the leading candidate in a field that also includes Lenny Harris and Brant Brown, the former major league outfielder and minor league hitting coach who currently works as the Mariners’ minor league outfield coordinator. Nothing is official, but it looks good for Clark, who spent 2015 as Single-A Delmarva’s hitting coach before moving up to the Eastern League.

Clark would replace Mark Quinn, who decided to go back to the hitting academy he owns in Houston. His contract expired on Oct. 31 after one season as Einar Diaz’s replacement.

The Baysox could be faced with two openings on their staff if they lose Clark, who appeared in 14 games with the Orioles in 2002, batting .302/.362/.396 in 58 plate appearances, and seven games in 2006. They still need a pitching coach to replace Mills.

The Orioles haven’t announced their minor league staffs, but Butch Davis would be the likely replacement for Clark. He was Bowie’s field coach before serving as Twins first base coach for the past two seasons.

Kennie Steenstra figures to move up from Single-A Frederick and replace Mills at Bowie.

* Catcher Nick Hundley confirmed on MLB Network Radio that his agent engaged in extensive talks with the Orioles before they signed Castillo.

The Orioles’ interest in Hundley already was known, but they rated Castillo ahead of him.

“We talked to the Orioles a lot,” said Hundley, who remains unsigned.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/orioles-primed-for-more-late-additions.html

Orioles primed for more late additions

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 29, 2016

The Orioles are picked to finish below .500 and in fourth or fifth place in their division in various December predictions. They’ve already lost the offseason, graded poorly for their inability to improve the roster while holes opened up in right field and at designated hitter. And the rotation doesn’t measure up, at least on paper.

Meanwhile, executive vice president Dan Duquette does his best work after the ball drops in Times Square. And the first ball drops during pitchers fielding practice in spring training. Wei-Yin Chen signed on Jan. 10, 2012, two weeks before Wilson Betemit signed and a month before Jeremy Guthrie was traded to the Rockies for Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom. Miguel Gonzalez signed on March 4.

Chris Dickerson signed for the first time on Jan. 29, 2013. Nelson Cruz signed on Feb. 24, 2014, five days after Ubaldo Jimenez. Delmon Young signed on Jan. 9, 2015. Yovani Gallardo signed on Feb. 25, 2016 after the Orioles restructured his contract. Pedro Alvarez signed on March 10, 2016, about two weeks after they thought that they had an agreement with .

Everth Cabrera signed on Feb. 25, 2015, and while he lasted only 29 games, it further illustrated how Duquette keeps working on the roster and is liable to make a move at any moment. Examples from 2013 include Jair Jurrjens (Feb. 15) and Freddy Garcia (March 27).

Garcia sweats more than any man alive, but Duquette also can work himself into a lather with all of this activity.

Alvarez could be another late signing this spring, with the Orioles maintaining interest in bringing him back at the right price and depending on other moves that unfold. They like his left- handed bat if the DH slot allows for it, and maybe they’ll become curious about his work in the outfield.

Mark Trumbo is still a possibility and no one can gauge how long he’ll have to wait to strike a deal. It’s been theorized that Edwin Encarnacion coming off the board and perhaps setting the market could accelerate the process. Others theorize that too many power bats remain on the market and could keep Trumbo waiting.

Mike Napoli may be the next one to sign, with the Rangers reportedly intensifying their efforts. They’ve been viewed as the favorites for a while and are expected to get a deal done.

I never heard anything concrete regarding the Orioles’ interest in Napoli - more like speculation that they could make a run at him - but he certainly makes sense as a designated hitter and backup first baseman who also has 11 games of experience in left field and 539 as a catcher. He hasn’t been behind the plate since 2012, but you know how manager Buck Showalter likes his emergency guys.

Napoli has been in the playoffs in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. He’s like a horseshoe with a beard or a rabbit’s foot with a .352 on-base percentage.

He’s also a guy who’s willing to take a two-year deal, according to reports.

The fear in working the roster in a deliberate manner, and former Orioles executive Andy MacPhail was more tortoise than hare, is that the best players will come off the board and leave the team sifting through scraps. The options for right field are plentiful, if not especially sexy. And a trade remains a possibility with reliever Brad Brach available in the right deal.

I’ll predict that the Orioles make at least one move in January and one in February. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they do something in March, whatever the magnitude. We’re in the dead zone between Christmas and New Year’s, but it’s nearing an end.

I’ll also predict that the Orioles still will be picked near or at the bottom of the division, no matter what they do between now and opening day. The Red Sox look like the obvious favorites and the Blue Jays and Yankees will line up behind them in whatever order.

Meanwhile, the Orioles will revel in the role of underdog, as usual, with their new right fielder and whatever combination at designated hitter. With a rotation they like and a bullpen they love. With a roster that’s always subject to change, no matter the date on the calendar.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/this-that-and-the-other-133.html

This, that and the other

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 28, 2016

Orioles third base coach Bobby Dickerson is enjoying a successful stint managing in one of baseball’s winter leagues.

Dickerson has been named Manager of the Year in the Dominican Republic League after guiding Gigantes del Cibao to a first-place finish in the six-team division. The news came from the team’s Twitter account.

Gigantes del Cibao advanced to the round robin playoffs, which began yesterday.

Dickerson, 51, turned down several opportunities to manage in the winter before accepting the latest offer from Gigantes first-year general manager Ismael Cruz, the Dodgers’ vice president of international scouting. His roster includes Orioles minor leaguer Garabez Rosa and Rule 5 outfielder Aneury Tavarez, and his coaching staff includes Orioles coach Einar Diaz.

Single-A Frederick first baseman Aderlin Rodriguez appeared in seven games and went 8-for-25 (.320).

Tavarez batted .283/.349/.362 with three doubles, three home runs and 13 RBIs in 46 games.

* At last count, there were five Orioles appearing on tentative rosters for the World Baseball Classic - Adam Jones (USA), Manny Machado (Dominican Republic), Jonathan Schoop (Netherlands), Hyun Soo Kim (Korea) and Mychal Givens (USA). Closer Zach Britton turned down an offer from Team USA to spend more time with his family.

The final rosters aren’t set until February, with the games scheduled for March 9-22. Kim was included on a list of names provided by South Korea manager Kim In-sik in November, but the outfielder is still deciding whether to participate. It isn’t a certainty at this point.

This isn’t an easy decision.

I’m sure Kim is feeling some pressure to represent his country and it’s an honor to do so, but he also knows that he would benefit from a full spring training while approaching his second season in the U.S.

Kim is continuing to work on improving his defense in left field and is trying to show the Orioles that he’s more than a platoon player. He failed to get a hit in 18 at-bats against left-handers in 2016.

Givens probably is a bigger concern to the Orioles because he’s a pitcher who will be placed on a more competitive schedule in the WBC and therefore at greater risk for injury. He’s going to be dialed up much earlier than in the usual spring training routine.

Players must receive permission to participate in the WBC and the Orioles won’t stand in anyone’s way, though they’d obviously prefer having a full camp roster.

* The minicamp roster hasn’t been officially set because the Orioles remain in the process of receiving permission from the union before sending out invitations. About 17 players are expected to gather next month at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. Ten are confirmed. Givens may show up again because he can make the drive from his home in Tampa.

Outfielder Joey Rickard is likely to be included so the Orioles can check on his right thumb. The news so far has been encouraging. Rickard is making a full recovery without having to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament.

* started his throwing program on Monday, as previously reported, while recovering from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. He’ll spend the first month playing catch from 45 feet before expanding the distance. A more “normal” throwing program will follow in spring training.

Harvey could pitch late in the 2017 season or wait until the Arizona Fall League.

The Orioles currently are leaning toward not bringing Harvey to the minicamp, choosing instead to let him throw at his home in North Carolina.

* The Orioles still don’t know who’s playing right field on opening day. They maintain interest in the same group of free agents that already has been reported, including Michael Saunders, Angel Pagan, Michael Bourn and Rajai Davis.

Dariel Alvarez goes on the list of in-house candidates, but he’s also a possibility to come off the 40-man roster. He’s 28 and still known mostly for his plus-plus arm, which intrigues the Orioles to the point of debating whether he should convert to pitcher.

It hasn’t happened yet, but I’d bring him to minicamp and point him toward one of the mounds on the practice field. Let new pitching coach Roger McDowell and bullpen coach Alan Mills take a look at him. Special assignment pitching instructor Ramon Martinez also is expected to be in Sarasota.

Alvarez batted .308/.317/.451 with 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs and 34 RBIs in 49 games with Tigres de Aragua in Venequela. He may be approaching his final chance to convince the Orioles that he can play the outfield in the majors - assuming it hasn’t already passed.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/chris-davis-i-think-theres-definitely-a- sense-of-urgency.html

Chris Davis: “I think there’s definitely a sense of urgency”

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 28, 2016

Everyone has an opinion regarding the wisdom of trading Orioles left-hander Zach Britton before he potentially hits free agency following the 2018 season. Value may never be higher, teams are paying a steep price for closers, the organization needs the prospects that would be included in any return. Also, he’s too valuable to part with, the bullpen depth would take a serious hit, the club should be all-in for 2017.

Players hear the same rumors and denials. The Orioles don’t seem inclined to move Britton, and they don’t want him to leave. They approve of the front office’s stance.

Chris Davis was the latest to endorse Britton’s return during an interview last week on the “Hot Stove Show” on 105.7 The Fan.

“Personally, I don’t think Zach should go anywhere. I think he should stay here,” Davis said.

“He’s the best reliever in the game. Nobody in is automatic, but he’s probably is one of the guys who’s as close to it as I can imagine. And for us, the bullpen is one of our huge positives. I mean, that’s one of our strengths. I don’t understand why we would be taking any pieces away when we’re trying to win. We have the group that we want here.

“Maybe bring in a couple of guys. I think adding to it is a lot better than subtracting.”

This is the plan according to executive vice president Dan Duquette, who is in the market for another reliever despite the abundance of arms.

“We know that if we can be within reach late in the game, we know our bullpen can shut them down and we know as an offense that we can win games in the late innings,” Davis said. “We just try to do everything we can to keep it close.”

Players admit to the feeling that the window is closing on winning a championship. Chris Tillman and J.J. Hardy could become free agents after 2017, and Britton, Manny Machado, Adam Jones and Brad Brach could join them the following winter. The contracts for Duquette and manager Buck Showalter also expire after 2018.

“I think there’s definitely a sense of urgency,” said Davis, who signed a seven-year, $161 million contract last winter.

“I don’t really try to look that far ahead. I guess when we were finalizing the terms of the deal I started thinking about it a little bit, what’s this team going to look like in six or seven years, or even three or four years? But that’s really out of my control.

“I think the time is now for sure. We’ve been so close so many times and we know that we have the guys in-house to be there at the end, to be the last team standing, but there has to be a sense of urgency that the time is now.”

If it’s going to happen, a rotation that currently includes Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Yovani Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez and Wade Miley will have to produce at a level that its critics feel is unattainable. The optimists point to the September surge, with the Orioles starters posting the lowest ERA in the majors.

Can there be a carryover?

“Absolutely,” Davis said. “I think really the timing of their success was so big for me. They did it when it counted most. We knew that we were in the hunt and that we had to win baseball games, and that’s when guys stepped up.

“I was really proud of Dylan, seeing him back this year and seeing the way he threw the ball, it was awesome. The guy’s battled through injuries. I was really proud of Tilly coming back. Gaus, bless his heart, I felt like there were some nights when he could throw seven shutout innings and still end up getting the loss.”

Davis’ first season after signing his franchise-record deal didn’t come close to matching his 2015 production. He tried to fight through a hand injury, but the discomfort increased after the All- Star break and he finished with a .221/.332/.459 slash line, 38 home runs, 84 RBIs and 219 strikeouts - most in the majors.

The same player who’s twice led the majors in home runs over the past four seasons will show up in spring training with the same intention.

“I think the goals I set for myself are higher than what most people would put out there,” he said. “(Matt) Wieters would always joke with me. He and J.J. (Hardy) would give me a hard time and say, ‘You set the bar way too high way too early. Now it’s expected of you.’ But I welcome that.

“I want our fans, I want my teammates, our coaching staff to expect big things from me and I expect big things from myself.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/wondering-about-rickards-place-on-2017- roster.html

Wondering about Rickard’s place on 2017 roster

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 27, 2016

Could a Rule 5 pick impact a former Rule 5 pick next season?

I’m not assuming that Joey Rickard has a spot waiting for him on the 25-man roster. I’ll say that he’s got a decent chance of making it, but there’s no way that he’s guaranteed to break camp with the team.

Rickard can be optioned next year after shedding his Rule 5 status in 2016. He made it far enough despite not playing after July 20 due to a torn ligament in his right thumb.

The Orioles figure to carry another Rule 5 guy after selecting outfielders Aneury Tavarez and Anthony Santander. Executive vice president Dan Duquette continues his search for a right fielder, and he’s indicated that he could bring in a second outfielder, perhaps a right- handed bat to platoon with Hyun Soo Kim in left field.

Two outsiders and a Rule 5 pick could push Rickard to Triple-A Norfolk on opening day. Kim and center fielder Adam Jones would bring the total number of outfielders to five, and Ryan Flaherty is capable of moving beyond the infield in an emergency.

It’s probably more realistic that the Orioles add a left-handed hitter for right field and keep Rickard as a backup at all three positions. He could platoon with Kim. He could move atop the order, the original plan this year before the thumb injury. There are a lot of balls in the air and Rickard could be camped under some of them. It’s just too early to know.

My point here is that Rickard isn’t automatically on the opening day roster.

Did the Orioles find out everything they needed to know about him in 85 games?

“You know, I’d like to say yes, and I should and I probably will,” manager Buck Showalter said during the Winter Meetings, “but there’s also a part that I found that all of a sudden they show back up and there’s a whole different mindset. ‘Now I’ve got options. Now is my thumb right?’ I don’t really know.

“We’re going to bring him to mini-camp if the union allows us. We have to get permission. But I can’t say for sure who we’re getting, but he was in a great ... he had nothing to lose. Tampa didn’t protect him. He came in letting it rip, firing on all levels.

“I don’t know what this spring is going to bring. It might be a week into it and I go, ‘Yep, same guy, we’re in good shape.’ I’m hoping and I’m thinking that’s what we’re going to see, but I’m cautious that, let’s just hold down before we make him the third or fourth outfielder.

“He was our best leadoff guy and we lost him for three-fourths of the season. (Darren) O’Day had 30 outings. I could go on. There’s three or four that people very conveniently forgot about.”

This is all true. And yet, the Orioles earned the second wild card while posting their fifth consecutive non-losing season.

Chris Davis recently brought up the Orioles’ expectations of being a “postseason team and not just saying, ‘Well, we hope to have a winning record.’ Or, ‘We hope to finish over .500.’”

“We expect to be in the postseason every year and that’s really a tribute to the people in the front office, Buck, our coaching staff, the guys I play with,” Davis said during his appearances on the “Hot Stove Show” on 105.7 The Fan. “We’ve raised the bar here and that’s what we expect now.”

There’s still room for the bar to be nudged a little higher.

The Orioles have played in the wild card game in 2012, advancing to the American League Division Series, and again in 2016, losing in 11 innings to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. They won the division in 2014 and made it to the Championship Series before the Royals swept them.

They haven’t played in the World Series since winning it in 1983. They hadn’t won the division since 1997. The wild card game beats sitting home, but the one-and-done format can be a kick below the belt.

“There’s no doubt you want to be in position to control your own destiny,” Davis said. “The wild card is great for so many reasons. It allows a better chance for a team to get in, but it also makes things really difficult because you might wind up having to fly across the country to play one game and basically your whole season comes down to a one-game playoff.”

It doesn’t get any easier when you have to leave the country.

“That’s our goal every year is to win the division,” Davis continued. “I don’t think we really say, ‘If we can just win the wild card.’ That’s not really where our focus is. We want to win the division and kind of control what we’re doing.”

The Orioles won 89 games and extended their season despite two losing months. They went 12- 14 in July and 13-16 in August. A 16-11 record in September got them back on track.

“There’s so much competition in our division, not to mention the entire American League,” Davis said. “If you struggle on a road trip or any struggle even at home against a non-division opponent, it doesn’t make it any easier when you start playing the divisional teams. I think we do a pretty good job of staying even keel and not getting too high or too low and really kind of pacing itself.”

Fans would prefer not pacing the floor during a one-and-done wild card game.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/because-you-asked---home-alone-4.html

Because You Asked - Home Alone 4

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 25, 2016

‘Tis the season to be jolly and repetitive.

I’m referring, of course, to the hot stove season. Let’s gather around it, warm our hands and hearts, and toast our good fortune. A marshmallow on a skewer wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.

My mailbag is the gift that keeps on giving. Sort of like the Samos burps after the tzatziki and hummus. And I’m not complaining.

Fans ask for updates and opinions. Other fans ask for the same updates and opinions. Some are friendlier than others. The fans, not the updates and opinions.

You’ll notice that my latest sequel title is a homage to bad Christmas movies, including the made-for-television variety. You know how someone will tell you to “say when” to get them to stop pouring? Well, someone should have done that with the Home Alone series.

But I digress ...

Let’s tear into the mailbag before we do the same with the turkey and ham and whatever else is on the dinner table later today. As for gifts, all I’m asking for is your continued support of this blog and any spare change you find in the cushions.

Any news on Mark Trumbo? Nothing that fans of his return want to hear. The Orioles made an offer, Trumbo’s agent didn’t bite and it’s no longer on the table. But as I’ve written, don’t jump to the conclusion that the Orioles have completely moved on from Trumbo. They pulled their offer to Chris Davis and he hit 38 home runs for them this year. Pulling an offer can be like pulling my finger. It’s unpleasant at first, but ... Well, that’s probably the only similarity. I’m not sure where I was going with that one.

Will the Orioles sign Chris Carter? If they want a guy who only scores touchdowns.

That’s Cris Carter and an extremely tired joke. Will they sign the free agent slugger? It’s not out of the question, but their reported interest seems to be exaggerated. He’s the kind of guy who comes into play if still on the market as the Orioles near spring training or are already engaged in popup drills, and they still have a need for a power-hitting designated hitter. Even if it’s in a part-time role. Only if the years and price are right. One of those platform deals that maybe launches him to a bigger deal with another club the following year. Sound familiar?

Do the Orioles still have interest in Michael Saunders? They do, but they also have some concerns. They’d be much more comfortable giving him a one- year deal. There are some lingering questions about him physically. I’d be more concerned about the career .309 on-base percentage and slippage in his defensive metrics.

Why are the Orioles more focused on Colby Rasmus than Michael Saunders? They aren’t. I reported that Rasmus’ agent has contacted the Orioles to gauge their interest. The sides came close to an agreement a couple of winters ago. But they’ve had more serious talks regarding Saunders.

Got a favorite Christmas movie? Not sure how I’d rank them, but I’m a big fan of “Love Actually.” And if I must surrender my man card, so be it. Also, “A Christmas Story” should rank highly on anyone’s list. It never gets old. At least not until the 12th or 13th time in a row.

Why not trade Zach Britton now while his value is so high and there’s such a heavy demand for closers? Because the Orioles are trying to win the 2017 or 2018 World Series and right now they find it harder to envision if they trade the best reliever in baseball. I’d certainly listen to offers and I understand the logic in moving him now while he’s still under team control for two more seasons. The return would be substantial and this team needs to beef up its farm system. He also might enable them to fill the hole in right field. But no matter how many quality relievers reside in the bullpen, the Orioles would be punching a huge hole in it by surrendering Britton.

Any news on ... Yes, but I’m keeping it a secret.

Never gets old. Any news on Matt Wieters? There’s really nothing else to report. Signing Welington Castillo provided a pretty clear signal that the Orioles have moved on from Wieters. They weren’t going to make the financial commitment required to keep him and they weren’t going to keep waiting past New Year’s for agent Scott Boras to strike a deal. They’re counting on Chance Sisco to be ready by 2018 at the latest.

What about signing Weiters as a designated hitter/first baseman? It’s spelled Wieters. We’re back to talking about the financial commitment. This team isn’t expected to hand out any big contracts beyond its attempts to re-sign Trumbo. There’s always the chance that they can work out an extension for one of their guys, with Chris Tillman a priority because he’s a pending free agent. The Orioles would like for their DH to have the ability to rotate to other positions, but I don’t think they mean third catcher. And Wieters has limited exposure to first base. Trust me, a team will sign Wieters and keep him behind the plate. The market will evolve for Boras.

Would the Orioles re-sign Pedro Alvarez? Yes, if they can get him on a deal similar to the last one. He’s not going to hit the jackpot in Baltimore, but the Orioles would be fine having him again as a left-handed designated hitter. But that idea probably would die if Trumbo re-signed. It’s not like the Orioles are going to platoon them. Alvarez and Trey Mancini might make a nice DH combo. Alvarez is trying to add “outfielder” to his resume, but the Orioles are looking to upgrade defensively. That would seem to be a counter move.

Could the Orioles sign Manny Machado to an extension? It needs to happen soon or he’s gone. Well, he isn’t a free agent until after the 2018 season, but I understand. He’s going to be harder to extend the closer he gets to the market. The Orioles have engaged in extension talks in the past, but nothing approaching an agreement. And there’s nothing to suggest that they’re starting up again. Tillman is next man up, but there’s a long way to go with him, as well. The conversation between executive vice president Dan Duquette and Tillman’s reps at the Winter Meetings can’t be classified as significant progress. More like opening remarks. Or reopening. But it’s a start.

Got an ugly Christmas sweater? No, just ugly regular ones.

Will the Orioles get the 2019 All-Star Game and why is it taking so long? No idea on the first part and only speculation about the second. Having the 2018 All-Star Game at Nats Park may hurt the Orioles’ chances, but again, speculating here. They definitely want it and have bid for it. It’s great for the city. The real question is why does any team have to campaign, or whatever you want to call it, when it should just be rotated? Riddle me that.

Any news? Oh, come on!

Who’s going to be the next assistant hitting coach? Someone in the organization asked me, and I assume jokingly, if anyone really cares. Whether this is actually a story. Well, it’s an opening on the major league coaching staff, so there’s some level of importance. I have a shot if the hiring isn’t made in the next few weeks. Only problem is, I’d instruct everyone to just take pitches while I stood behind them, clapped my hands and said, “Good eye, good eye.” I’ll repeat that Lenny Harris and Howie Clark are two confirmed candidates. That’s all I know.

Any new information on a trade for Jarrod Dyson? I never heard anything beyond speculation and how he’d make a lot of sense as a right fielder and leadoff hitter. Nothing concrete. I’m sure it’s been discussed, but I have no idea what the Royals would want in return and whether the Orioles have the necessary pieces. He’s not the most popular guy in Baltimore after all his chirping in the American League Championship Series, but he isn’t a villain. So he’s got that going for him, which is nice.

Ever cry as a kid when Frosty melted? Only as a kid? I mean, what?

Is Duquette really going to pass on Jose Bautista just because fans hate him? It’s an amusing little tale that doesn’t tell the full story. I’m sure there are some concerns about how Bautista would be received, but not just by fans. The clubhouse is a warm and inviting place for all newcomers, but Bautista would really put that reputation to the test. And let’s also consider his age, declining production and whatever he’s asking for in free agency. It isn’t a one- year, club-friendly deal. Fans are only one of the considerations.

Hey baby, how are you? Give me a follow and check out my pics. OK, this is spam. Sorry.

Are the Orioles showing any interest in Jose Quintana? Duquette has indicated that he’s more interested in adding a reliever than another starter. And again, it’s doubtful that the Orioles have the pieces to pull off a trade for him.

Any chance that the Orioles get in on Edwin Encarnacion if his market continues to drop? This is an oldie but a goodie. It needed to plummet and they didn’t anticipate him having to settle for a Nelson Cruz-type of deal. They were right. The Indians are giving Encarnacion a three-year deal with an option that could net him a total of $80 million. The Athletics also reportedly had a multi-year offer on the table. He would have been a tremendous addition at Camden Yards, but it wasn’t going to happen. In the meantime, the Blue Jays probably are wondering what was wrong with their four-year, $80 million offer. Either way, Encarnacion can buy a lot of imaginary parrot food.

Why no Larry Walker on your Hall of Fame ballot? Only room for 10.

Why no Fred McGriff on your Hall of Fame ballot? Only room for 10.

Why no Curt Schilling on your ballot? Only room for 10.

Why no on your ballot? Only room for 10.

Why no Billy Wagner on your Hall of Fame ballot if you’re including Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith? Only room for 10. And this is Smith’s final year of eligibility.

Shouldn’t Melvin Mora get into the Hall of Fame just for having quintuplets? His wife had them. She should be inducted.

Any chance that Mora picks up enough votes? Yes, if all of his kids get ballots.

Why don’t the Orioles hire as pitching coach? Because he has no interest in coaching. The man has a pretty sweet gig and he’s really good at it.

Ever dab? Only when I cut myself shaving.

Why didn’t Buck use Britton in the wild card game? This one must have been stuck to the bottom of the mailbag.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/orioles-continuing-efforts-to-improve- obp.html

Orioles continuing efforts to improve OBP

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 24, 2016

How important is it for the Orioles to improve their on-base percentage?

Enough so that players talk about it, how wins would come more easily with a more versatile lineup.

They manage fine without one, of course. This team has made the playoffs three of the past five seasons while posting the following on-base percentages:

2012: .311 2013: .313 2014: .311 2015: .307 2016: .317

The Red Sox won the American League East this year and they led the majors with a .348 OBP. The Cubs placed second at .343 and they won the World Series. The Rockies were third at .336 and they finished 12 games below .500.

Not helping my argument here.

The Orioles haven’t won the World Series since 1983 and their OBP was .340, second only to the Braves (.341). They also led the majors with 168 home runs, one more than the Blue Jays.

It’s possible to do both. You can field a lineup with guys capable of getting on base and also rounding them.

(I’ll take this moment to make sure everyone fully appreciates , who posted a .393 OBP in 1983 while also belting 18 home runs in his penultimate season in the majors. He retired with a career .388 OBP in 15 seasons and hit 20 or more home runs in five of them, topping out at 35 to go with 111 RBIs and a .405 OBP in 1979.)

Executive vice president Dan Duquette has spent the last few winters trying to improve the Orioles’ OBP. He signed Hyun Soo Kim out of the Korean Baseball Organization on Dec. 16, 2015 and the outfielder led the team with a .382 OBP, but in only 95 games. The same emphasis carries over into the current offseason, the preference being a right fielder capable of getting on base and offering speed and plus defense.

Angel Pagan, one of the outfielders on the club’s radar, has a career .330 on-base percentage, but he turns 36 in July. Michael Saunders has a .309 OBP and questions about his long-term durability. Michael Bourn, who turns 34 on Tuesday, owns a .329 OBP. Rajai Davis, who attracts the Orioles’ interest every winter, has a .314 OBP - it’s .306 in each of the past two seasons - and he turned 36 a few months ago. Colby Rasmus owns a .311 OBP and it’s dropped to .289 in 2012, .287 in 2014 and .286 in 2016.

The Orioles led the majors this season with 253 home runs and Mark Trumbo topped everyone with 47. They’ve had the major league leader in four consecutive years, including Chris Davis in 2013 and 2015 and Nelson Cruz in 2014. Trumbo is a free agent and the Orioles want to re-sign him, though talks stalled and a new offer would need to be placed on the table.

While appearing last week on the “Hot Stove Show” on 105.7 The Fan, Davis admitted that the club’s dependence on the long ball can bring frustration. The ability to manufacture runs always seems to increase in importance during the postseason.

“I think the attitude of we live and die by the home run is something that it’s really more talked about than it is accepted in our clubhouse,” Davis said. “We understand that each and every night you’re not going to be able to just bang out six or seven home runs, and that we’re going to have to find ways to win games by driving in a run, getting a runner over, and we do put emphasis on that. We just have the ability to hit the home run, so it tends to overshadow it at times.

“For us to take the next step and be a competitive team that has a chance to win the World Series, we have to start getting better at the little things and take advantage of those opportunities.”

Like laying down more bunts against the shift?

Teams abandon the left side of the infield whenever Davis comes to the plate. He could bunt for a triple, though it may require a hook slide.

“I have laid down bunts in the past, some really good ones and some really bad ones, and they don’t care,” Davis said. “I’ve talked to a number of guys on several teams asking, ‘What is your goal whenever you shift me?’ And they say, ‘We’d rather have you go 4-for-4 with four bunt singles than go 1-for-4 and hit a three-run homer.’ They’re like, ‘You lay one down, you’re playing into our hands. We want you to do that.’ That’s why these shifts are so dramatic.

“Believe me, it’s frustrating to go home after you’ve hit three balls or four balls on the screws and the third baseman is catching it 10 feet in front of the right fielder.”

Davis is more than capable of driving the ball the other way, keeping the outfielders honest in the process. You know that Davis is seeing the ball and comfortable in the box when he’s taking aim at left and left-center field.

“Left-center is always the area of the outfield that, when I’m hitting the ball and driving the ball to left-center, that’s when I’m swinging the bat well,” he said, offering confirmation to everything I just wrote in the above paragraph. “But the reason that teams shift is because most of the time when I pull the ball on the ground, it’s on the right side.

“If I can get the ball in the air on the right side, I like my chances, but if I can utilize left-center and really drive the ball that way, I think it’s probably best for me.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/12/duquette-were-still-looking-for- opportunties-to-build-the-club.html

Duquette: “Still looking for opportunities to build the club”

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com December 23, 2016

The Orioles maintained interest in free agent outfielder Ben Revere this winter, engaging again in talks with his representative. However, there doesn’t appear to be a financial fit and Revere is expected to sign with another team - perhaps as early as today.

The Nationals non-tendered Revere after he batted .217/.260/.300 in 103 games, but he hit .306/.342/.377 in 2015 with the Phillies and Blue Jays. A strained oblique in April pretty much ruined his final season in D.C.

Revere, 28, bats from the left side and can play all three outfield positions. He would have been a nice fit in right field and atop the order.

Meanwhile, executive vice president Dan Duquette continues his efforts to plug the hole in right field. That’s just one remaining order of business. A decision must be made regarding designated hitter and another reliever could be added to the bullpen.

“We’re still looking for opportunities to build the club,” Duquette said. “We’re not done. We like some of the things that we did. Adding a catcher and the two young (Rule 5) outfielders. But we’re still trying to build our ballclub.”

Business tends to slow for everyone between Christmas and New Year’s, and Duquette indicated that he isn’t particularly close to making another move.

“I don’t have anything that’s imminent,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of things that are percolating, if you will, but we’re not ready to pour the cup of coffee.”

Duquette remains open to signing a free agent or making a trade. Whatever comes first.

“We’re looking at all of them,” he said. “We’re looking at trades, signings, international signings. There are still some players on the market that could help the club.”

The Orioles still seem more likely to add a reliever than a starter. Brad Brach was a popular target at the Winter Meetings and nothing has changed since the Orioles left National Harbor.

“We have some pretty good depth to our rotation and there’s a lot of interest in our relief pitchers on the trade market,” Duquette said.

Negotiations have stalled with Mark Trumbo’s agent. I’m told again that talks have quieted, but they could pick up again at a later date. The Orioles aren’t closing that door.

The Orioles also are focused on reaching agreements on new contracts with their arbitration- eligible players. There’s in-house business to do, as well.

“We are preparing our offers to try to sign some players that are arbitration eligibles and in the process of preparing our offers, we also prepare the cases in the event that we’re not able to negotiate a contract,” Duquette said. “So we’re in the process of doing both of those things right now.”

There’s nothing new to report on the assistant hitting coach, with Duquette saying, “We have some more work to do on that.”

I sought further confirmation that Lenny Harris and Howie Clark are two candidates and Duquette replied, “Those are some good names.”

Duquette said the hiring of a minor league pitching coordinator is still “in process.”

“We’re still working on that,” he said.

John Wasdin is expected to replace Rick Peterson, who held the title of director of pitching development for the past five seasons. However, Wasdin would be named minor league pitching coordinator.

“It would probably be a coordinator’s position,” Duquette said. “It probably wouldn’t be a director’s position.”

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/01/the-orioles-may-have-to-move-on-from- mark-trumbo.html

The Orioles may have to move on from Mark Trumbo

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com January 2, 2017

For free agent Mark Trumbo, the new year begins with old questions: Will he be an Oriole in 2017? If not Baltimore, where does he end up? And at what price?

Trumbo turned down the Orioles’ qualifying offer. They then made him at least one four-year offer that was reported to be in the $52 million range. While that seemed low, it seems more in line when you consider that Ian Desmond got a five-year, $70 million deal from Colorado and Edwin Encarnacion got three years and $60 million with a fourth option year from Cleveland.

Trumbo had a career year for theOrioles in 2016, batting .256/.316/.533 with 27 doubles, a triple, 47 homers, 108 RBIs and an OPS of .850. He set career highs in homers, RBIs, slugging and OPS and made his second All-Star team. He led the majors in home runs, hitting 13 more than he ever had before, and tied for eighth in RBIs.

If the Orioles re-sign him, the belief is it would be to mostly serve as the DH. He obviously doesn’t bring the needed upgrade in outfield defense they are looking for. Trumbo is considered a solid defender at first base, but unless they are not telling us something, the O’s don’t seem inclined to have Trumbo play first and move Chris Davis to right field.

The pros to re-signing Trumbo are the huge power he provides, not to mention clubhouse leadership. He had several big hits in 2016, including a homer that provided their only runs in the American League wild card game. He was very impressive and it was clear he had a huge amount of respect from his teammates.

The cons would be tying up years and dollars in a player that doesn’t bring quality outfield defense or much help in the OBP department. Plus, if the O’s bring him back, they would not get the compensatory draft pick they would get if he signs elsewhere. Few teams have been linked to Trumbo, but that could change as the countdown to spring training begins.

Trumbo had unique split stats versus left- and right-handed pitchers. He hit just .173/.223/.385 against southpaws. For a right-handed power hitter, those numbers look very strange. In his career, he is a .251/.306/.466 batter against lefties. Against right-handers last year, he batted .284/.347/.584 with an OPS of .932 (which was .608 against lefties).

I could be remembering it incorrectly, but it seemed that when Nelson Cruz hit 40 homers at 33 in 2014, many fans wanted him back badly. More than seem to favor a re-signing of Trumbo now. That was a career-high number for Cruz for homers. But he’s gone on to hit 44 and 43 for the Mariners.

When the O’s added Trumbo, some predicted he’d easily hit 30 homers - and maybe 40 at Camden Yards. He hit 47, 25 coming in his home ballpark. Fans wondered how the club would do without Cruz’s 40 homers, but the Orioles continued mashing them without him. Would they do the same without Trumbo?

The sense of things right now seems to be that Trumbo will not return to the Orioles. But that can change and there were plenty of times last year that it seemed they had moved on from Davis. There are few certainties in the free agent game.

If the O’s got Trumbo for four years at around $60 million, that would seem rather reasonable for 40-homer power. But at the same time, they would be paying mostly for only the power, knowing they are not getting defense or OBP. A contract like that for a player that would be 34 in the final year seems too pricey for me right now. Not when the club has defensive and OBP needs, but retains plenty of players that can hit home runs. Trumbo had an incredibly impressive year in Baltimore, but shouldn’t the club use those funds for players filling more current specific needs and/or extension dollars for current core players? I think that answer is yes.

What is your take? Should the Orioles continue to pursue Trumbo?

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/01/for-starters-another-look-at-the- rotation.html

For starters, another look at the rotation

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com January 1, 2017

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The Orioles will go as far as their rotation will take them.

We seem to say it about every year and it’s pretty much true just about every year. So on the first day of 2017, let’s say it here for the first of many times it will said and written, both before and during next season.

Along those lines, can the O’s rotation be better next season? Of course it can and maybe there were signs in the second half of last season that it actually will be.

At the All-Star break last July, the O’s starters had an ERA of 5.15. In the second half, that number was 4.24. Over a full year, a rotation pitching to an ERA of 4.24 would have ranked fourth in the American League in 2016.

But overall, the rotation fared poorly last year: * 4.72 ERA (13th in AL) * 886 innings (12th in AL) * 1.41 WHIP (13th in AL) * .266 batting average against (11th in AL)

So there is room for improvement. Plenty of it. The O’s fans certainly have big hopes for a front three ofChris Tillman (16-6, 3.77 ERA),Kevin Gausman (9-12, 3.61 ERA) and Dylan Bundy (10-6, 4.02 ERA). They have concerns about the next three, the veteran group of Ubaldo Jimenez (8-12, 5.44 ERA), Yovani Gallardo (6-8, 5.42 ERA) and Wade Miley (2-5, 6.17 ERA).

Last year, the Orioles went 44-30 (.595) in games started by Tillman, Gausman and Bundy. They went 29-30 (.492) in games started by Jimenez, Gallardo and Miley. They had three others make starts and went 16-13 (.552) in starts by Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson and Vance Worley.

In signing Gallardo before last year, the O’s added a pitcher that had worked to an ERA exactly two runs less, at 3.42, the previous season with Texas and one that had pitched 180 innings or more seven straight seasons. But he had shoulder issues, spent time on the disabled list and never looked like the 2015 Gallardo. A bounceback season here would be huge for the rotation.

Miley had an ERA of 8.41 in his first eight starts with the Orioles, but pitched to an ERA of 1.23 over his last three starts with two walks and 23 strikeouts. The Orioles would probably be thrilled if he could pitch at or near his career 4.18 ERA starting in April.

Jimenez pitched to an ERA of 2.45 with a WHIP of 0.86 over his last seven starts of the year, starting Aug. 25. From that date, he allowed a batting average against of just .170, which was the lowest in the majors during that span. But going into that span, his ERA was 6.94. You just never seem to know what you are going to get from Ubaldo. Volatility is the word and that is not comforting for fans of the team.

Those top three starters provide both hope for the present but specifically with Gausman and Bundy - hope for the future as well. If they continue to move toward potential ace status the O’s could have two young-gun right-handers to head their rotation for years to come.

When you look at the Orioles for next year and start with the starters, what do you see?

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/some-final-2016-gripes-while-looking- ahead-to-2017.html

Some final 2016 gripes while looking ahead to 2017

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 31, 2016

It’s the last day of the year and you know what that means - one last chance to gripe or complain about something about the Orioles for this calender year.

If you don’t do it here today, you will have to wait until 2017 to start anew.

I kid, I kid. Hey, I can be as snarky as the next guy or gal, probably more so. My emotions can get the best of me in the comments section sometimes. But I do try to always be true to my feelings and thoughts and just say what I feel. Sometimes I write things and question them later. We probably all do.

But hey, this is no time for hugs or being calm. It’s our last chance to whine in 2016! What annoys you about anything we read or say here, or heck, even me (gulp)?

My answers:

* Reading someone say the Orioles are content to just make the playoffs. So they want to make it and then hope they don’t get very far? Don’t want to lose too many days of the offseason right?

This is preposterous. You have to make the playoffs to have a chance. There are a lot of ups and downs in 162 games. Playoff baseball is unpredictable. Teams that look great then lose every year. Making the playoffs is a great goal - always.

* Seeing comments where fans write, “Well, pardon me for wanting to win the World Series.” Great comment. You are right poster, no one else here wants to win the World Series. You are on an island. Confounds me, too, but thanks for sticking up for your team!

I’ll stop at two of my own whines to end another year of sometimes contentious discussion on our message boards.

Random O’s hopes for 2017 (in no particular order):

* More feel-good stories like Trey Mancini getting called up and channeling . Or like watching a 27th-round draft pick (Donnie Hart) make the show and get and Bryce Harper out. (Selfish reporter hope here.)

* More four- and five-out appearances for Zach Britton. Can’t go to the well too often here, but he’d be up for it.

* More situational hitting. There are games where the Orioles do some nice things in this regard. Now it needs to be a daily focus.

* More rest for the regulars. No one needs to play all 162 games.

* More players willing to fall on the sword. The Orioles already have plenty that fit this bill. When you mess up, just say so. Fans respect a player that says, “I cost us that game.” While players need to build on positives when they have a bad game or rough stretch, trying to spin a bad performance doesn’t look good or play well with the fan base.

* More players that run hard to first base and run hard when a ball is hit to the outfield ... even before it hits the grass.

* Continued great clubhouse leadership from guys like Adam Jones, J.J Hardy, Darren O’Day,Chris Tillman, Britton and Chris Davis. The O’s clearly got that from Matt Wieters and Mark Trumbo as well. It is great that baseball has so many advanced stats to absorb now and provide us such great information, but leadership and chemistry can’t be measured. But both are huge in my opinion.

* Win the World Series. Now it’s on record. Me and one reader here truly want the Orioles to win the 2017 World Series.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/some-fans-see-the-future-and-are-very- concerned.html

Some fans see the future and are very concerned

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 30, 2016

When I wrote this blog yesterday pondering the Orioles’ future, we saw some interesting reactions and comments from fans and readers.

Some see the future and see, well, pretty much a disaster. Here is what one reader wrote:

* The window has already closed. When you do nothing of significance while the teams directly around you get better, the window has closed. It is the height of foolishness to claim repeatedly that our rotation is good.

Our rotation is terrible. We have two, possibly three, possibly not even one worthwhile pitcher. But there is absolutely no doubt that we do not have four worthwhile pitchers (the Brewers and Mariners are grateful for the gifts we gave them, btw). We have done nothing to fill any of our holes, and once again we have waited while players who could help us have gone to other teams.Now, we are refusing to deal from our one position of strength and surplus.

The window is closed, and it is my hope that we are able to maintain the string of .500 or better seasons.

This reader believes the Orioles are not in it to win it:

* Obviously winning the WS is not the top priority for the O’s top brass. Fielding a competitive team is. I don’t see that point as even debatable. That’s okay by me. It’s not like we’re a BIG MARKET team.

I love baseball. I root for the home team. It would be awesome to win the WS every decade or so...but let’s be real, a 1 in 35 chance, as Vegas now lists us, rarely comes through. I’m also not that interested in sneaking into that last playoff spot. If it happens, fine...roll the dice when you can. I have no illusions anymore about the O’s front office and their desire to win it all at any cost. Granted, those are extreme opinions at one end of the discussion. We had a lot of opinions and it was all interesting reading, so check those comments if you didn’t have a chance.

The Orioles certainly have some key players with contracts ending the next two years. Under a scenario where the Orioles would lose every player at the end of their current contracts the next two seasons, the team at the very least would have a whole lot of money to re-invest in the roster. That is if every player left the team, which seems rather unlikely.

There are six players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2017, although some feature team options for 2018. The Orioles could re-sign some of the six, but if they don’t they will lose these salaries from 2017:

$14 million - J.J. Hardy $13.5 million - Ubaldo Jimenez $ 11 million - Yovani Gallardo $ 10.6 million - Chris Tillman (arbitration projection) $8.75 million - Wade Miley $4.2 million - Hyun Soo Kim

That total works out to an extra $62.05 million to spend if they didn’t re-sign any of that group. That would grow by $6 million if catcher Welington Castillo leaves after one season as he has a player option for 2018.

At the end of the 2018 season, if the four key free agents leave at that point, the Orioles could save another (estimated) $50 million or so with the deals for Manny Machado, Adam Jones,Zach Britton and Brad Brach.

If the O’s go completely “o-fer” and don’t retain any of these players, they will at least have $110 million or more combined coming off the books after the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

This amount could of course be re-invested in contract extensions for any of the key players like Machado or Britton, for example.

No doubt the Orioles are entering a key two-year stretch. Will they re-sign Machado? Will they make a run at the World Series? Will they considering trading any top talent during this stretch?

As we saw yesterday, the fans are passionate about their team and its future.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/the-orioles-balance-a-hopeful-present- with-an-uncertain-future.html

The Orioles balance a hopeful present with an uncertain future

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 29, 2016

It is often debated among Orioles fans how the organization should look to balance keeping a strong core of players intact to try and win through 2018 while also looking to the future beyond that.

We see almost daily comments here suggesting that a trade of Manny Machado and/or Zach Britton could help rebuild and reload a farm system rated in the bottom third by most national analysts.

No doubt such a trade could benefit the club’s future, but what would it mean for the present and the next two years? How would it play with a fan base filled with some that feel trying to win now is the way to go? These are two fan favorites here.

Here is a look at how far down the road the Orioles have some of their players under team control:

* Through 2022: Chris Davis * Through 2021: Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Joey Rickard, Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson * Through 2020: Kevin Gausman and Caleb Joseph * Through 2019: Darren O’Day and Jonathan Schoop * Through 2018: Adam Jones, Manny Machado, Zach Britton and Brad Brach * Through 2017: Chris Tillman, Yovani Gallardo (with 2018 team option), Ubaldo Jimenez, Wade Miley (with 2018 team option), Welington Castillo (with player option for 2018), J.J. Hardy (with team option for 2018) and Hyun Soo Kim

The Orioles have led the American League in wins since 2012, winning in order 93, 85, 96, 81 and 89 games for an average of 88.8 per year. The lowest number of wins needed for a playoff appearance since 2012 is, in order, 88, 92, 89, 86 and 89.

If you see those numbers and don’t see the Orioles as contenders, you’ve missed some good baseball and three playoff appearances. If you don’t see them good enough to win the World Series, that is an opinion you may hold.

Since 2012, the World Series winner has won at least 94 games each year except for 2014, when a wild card San Francisco Giants team won 88 games on their way to a championship.

The O’s do have the Bundy-Gausman pitching duo together through at least the 2020 season and that is a good start to a key component - the rotation. After 2018, could others join this group? Pitchers such as Hunter Harvey, Cody Sedlock, Keegan Akin, Chris Lee, Ofelky Peralta, Matthias Dietz, Brian Gonzalez or Alexander Wells, to name a few? It could be the makings of a future rotation to keep the team contending beyond 2018, pending other additions and other contract extensions.

It is worth noting that while some key Orioles are under team control through 2018, that is also true for executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter. From the Warehouse to the dugout to the field, a lot could be different at the end of the 2018 season.

At the moment, the Orioles don’t seem inclined to even enter into trade discussions for Britton and Machado. If they don’t re-sign them and don’t win a World Series in the next two years, there will be a segment of fans that saw that as a chance lost. A chance to add future talent.

For now, it seems the future for the Orioles runs through 2018 - for players and management alike. http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/a-statistical-look-at-the-orioles-2016-team- pitching.html

A statistical look at the Orioles’ 2016 team pitching

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 28, 2016

Yesterday, we took a statistical look at how the 2016 Orioles’ team offense ranked against the rest of the American League. Today, we do the same with the team pitching stats. After each stat, the rank within the AL is listed along with the AL average, when available.

* 4.22 team ERA (10th, 4.20) * 4.72 starter ERA (13th, 4.43) * 3.40 bullpen ERA (first, 3.84) * 1 complete game (tied for 11th, 3) * 69 quality starts (tied for 11th, 76) * .258 batting average against (ninth, .257) * 1,248 strikeouts (10th, 1,283) * 545 walks (15th, 485) * .328 OBP (12th, .320) * .421 slugging (seventh, .422) * .750 OPS (11th, .742) * 183 home runs (11th, 196) * 69 stolen bases (fifth, 75) * 1.36 WHIP (12th, 1.32) * 2.29 K/BB ratio (13th, 2.66) * 73.8 Left on base percentage (eighth) * 4.31 Fielding Independent Pitching (11th) * 15.1 Wins Above Replacement (8th)

The Orioles were about league average in allowing base hits with a .258 average against, but they ranked dead last in most walks allowed with 545, issuing 60 more than average. That doesn’t sound like a lot over the average, but being last in any category is not good. The Orioles allowed 483 walks in 2015 to rank 11th in the AL.

Among pitchers who threw 40 or more innings last season, the highest walk rates per every nine innings belonged to Yovani Gallardo (4.65), Ubaldo Jimenez(4.55), Mychal Givens (4.34), Vance Worley (3.63) and Chris Tillman(3.45).

AL East rotation ERAs and AL ranking: 3.64 - Toronto (first) 4.22 - Boston (third) 4.26 - Tampa Bay (sixth) 4.44 - New York (10th) 4.72 - Baltimore (13th)

The Orioles’ rotation improved by a large margin in the second half. At the All-Star break, the starters had an ERA of 5.15. In the second half, that number was 4.24. Over a full year, a rotation pitching to an ERA of 4.24 would have ranked fourth in the AL in 2016. They will need to pitch more like that second half rotation, which included Dylan Bundy and finally, at the end of the year, some solid starts from the veteran three of Gallardo, Jimenez and Wade Miley.

We know how good the Oriole bullpen was in 2016 and how that is a clear team strength. It will be hard for Zach Britton to be as good but he should again be one of the top closers in the league.

Bundy’s season innings total will be something to monitor and watch as well as how the six starters for five spots works itself out between now and opening day. The Orioles were below average in most of the categories listed above last year. Will 2017 be any better for the pitchers?

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/the-search-for-an-outfielder-continues.html

The search for an outfielder continues

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 26, 2016

If the Orioles found an outfielder under their tree yesterday, they are not saying so yet. That must have been a pretty big tree, however.

As the end of the calender year approaches, the Orioles’ search for an outfielder is ongoing. If said player has some speed, a good on-base percentage and plays solid defense, that would be quite welcome in a lineup that needs the first two and an outfield defense that needs the third.

Here are four players that have been linked to the Orioles. These are not the four favorites and clearly are not the only four possibilities. Feel free to share your thoughts on any in this group or discuss any other outfielders you think the Orioles should be taking a look at.

Angel Pagan: While MLBTradeRumors.com did not list Pagan among its top 50 free agents, ESPN’s Keith Law ranked Pagan No. 22 on his top 50. Pagan, who turned 35 in July, hit .277/.331/.418 last season in 129 games for the Giants. He had 24 doubles, five triples, a career- high 12 homers and 55 RBIs with 71 runs, 15 steals and a .750 OPS. Pagan was hitting over .290 until a late slump (he hit .190 in September) dropped him to .277.

In his career, he is a .280/.330/.408 hitter. He would add a leadoff-type bat and is a switch-hitter with a career average of .267 versus lefty pitching and .286 against right-handers.

Law noted Pagan played more in left than center field (almost all in left) for the Giants due to decreasing range in the outfield and also dealt with a hamstring strain.

Michael Saunders: He had an outstanding first half for Toronto in 2016, batting .298/.372/.551 and then a terrible second half, batting .178/.282/.357. How do you explain that? Saunders’ overall stats for 140 games include these numbers: .253/.338/.478 with 32 doubles 24 homers and 57 RBIs.

A left-handed batter, Saunders will be 30 on opening day and MLBTradeRumors.com projected that the Orioles would be the team to sign him for three years and $33 million when free agency began.

Saunders hit better against left-handed pitching, batting .275/.358/.569, while going .247/.332/.451 against right-handers. The falloff he had in the second half must create some concerns about signing him and his defense was rated below average. MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko has reported that the Orioles have some concerns about him physically.

Jarrod Dyson: The Orioles have been reported to have some interest in talking trade with Kansas City for Dyson. He checks off a few boxes. He is fast and a base stealer, is coming off a season with an OBP of .340, comes at a low salary and is a good defender. He’s also a leadoff hitter, so he checks quite a few boxes.

The 32-year-old lefty batter hit .278/.340/.388 last year with 30 steals in 37 attempts. The Orioles were last in the majors with 19 steals last season.

A free agent at the end of 2017, Dyson would likely be a one-year fix and that could bring down his trade price. A career .231/.305/.285 hitter versus lefty pitchers, he is more of a platoon guy than a regular. Maybe he could platoon with Joey Rickard, providing the club a speedy, base stealing option that can play decent defense in the lineup every night.

Dyson has averaged 31 steals per season over the past five years despite averaging just 284 plate appearances. On defense, he received a +11 rating from defensive runs saved in the outfield in 2016.

Rajai Davis: The 36-year-old Davis, an 11-year veteran, is a solid defender and considered an excellent baserunner. Davis led the American League and ranked fourth in the majors last season with 43 steals for Cleveland. His two-run homer off Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series tied that game at 6-6. In 495 plate appearances for the Tribe in 2016, Davis hit .249/.306/.388 with 23 doubles, two triples, 12 homers and 48 RBIs. Over his career, he is a much better hitter against southpaws, with a career slash line of .288/.343/.437, as opposed to .256/.299/.361 versus right-handers.

Among other available outfielders out there are Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista and Austin Jackson, along with Micheal Bourn, who was with the Orioles at the end of last year, to name a few more.

Where will the club’s search for an outfielder end?

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/christmas-day-takes.html

Christmas Day takes

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Birdland!

I hope you have a great day today and a great holiday season with your family and friends. I’m sure baseball will be a part of it, either with gifts you may give or receive, or conversations at the dinner table.

Providing a short entry today, so feel free to jump in with any comments and/or questions.

Here are a few topics we’ve discussed here recently along with one or two in the news in the last few days.

What is the ceiling for Manny Machado?: How much better can the Orioles’ young superstar get and how much money is in his future? Machado went from batting .286 with 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 2015 to batting .295 with 37 homers and 96 RBIs last season. His OPS went from .861 to .876. Clearly there is another level or two yet to come from a player with a high ceiling.Here is the earlier story.

Hunter Harvey’s comeback from Tommy John surgery: Harvey is expected to begin a throwing program tomorrow, as I first reported in this story from Dec. 15. He may find his way pitching in minor league games sometime late next season and also may pitch in the 2017 Arizona Fall League. After the successful return to the Orioles from Tommy John surgery forDylan Bundy, is Harvey next?

Jose Bautista might take a one-year contract: That is according to Yahoo Sports. But Bautista wants to play in 2017 for more than the qualifying offer of $17.2 million. His former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, still seem like a landing spot for Bautista. Any team wanting to sign the slugger would give up a first-round draft pick or their highest unprotected pick, except the Blue Jays. Is he a fit for the Orioles? Well, no.

Angels sign Ben Revere: An outfielder the Orioles were said to have interest in landed in Anaheim. Revere agreed to a one-year deal for $4 million and could add another $2.25 million through incentives.

The 28-year-old Revere hit very well from 2013-15, and then had a poor year in 2016, when he batted .217/.260/.300 with a .560 OPS. In the previous three seasons, those numbers were .306/.334/.365 with a .700 OPS. He stole 102 bases those three years. In 2016, he suffered a torn oblique muscle on opening day, never got it going and was non-tendered by the Nationals.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/12/memo-to-batters-hit-it-high-and-let-it- fly.html

Memo to batters: Hit it high and let it fly

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com December 24, 2016

On MLB Network yesterday, there was an interesting discussion about hitting. It is simplistic, but one analyst suggested that hitting the ball on the ground is generally not a good idea.

While ground balls do get through the infield, they are often gobbled up by fielders who not only may have good range, but are now positioned most often, through shifts, where the hitters actually hit the ball most often. Hitting the ball in the air obviously produces more damage and there is one fewer fielder in the outfield, they tell me.

If you drive the ball, you can get extra-base hits. Some of those balls may go over the fence and you can’t defend that. The harder you hit the ball, the better the chance it will not be caught. Fielders catch line drives, of course, but plenty of them find grass, as well. Or the outfield wall or the bullpen.

In this age of Statcast numbers, hitters, like the rest of us, can find out exactly how hard they hit the ball and how they compare to other batters. Mark Trumbo took some of this knowledge and worked to improve his game last offseason.

In this May interview, he told me that he went to a facility withHitTrax technology last winter to specifically work on improving his exit velocity and launch angles.

“You know, that is obviously a pretty technical way of talking about hitting the ball hard,” Trumbo said. “You know, if you can combine hitting line drives and some fly balls, but having that high exit velocity, too, that is where the damage is done in this game: in the air with some miles per hour behind it. I don’t know how else to put it, other than hitting it high and hard is going to be good for a hitter.”

The difference for Trumbo was striking. A look at his at-bats per every homer the last three years:

2014: a homer every 23.4 at-bats. 2015: a homer every 23.1 at-bats. 2016: a homer every 13.0 at-bats.

He was the major league homer leader with 47 and also led the American League in at-bats per homer, ahead of of Oakland at 13.2, Nelson Cruz of Seattle at 13.7, David Ortiz of Boston at 14.1 and Edwin Encarnacion of Toronto at 14.3.

Trumbo’s 47 homers last year are 13 more than he had ever hit and his slugging percentage jumped from .449 in 2015 to .533 in 2016.

Trumbo improved his exit velocity from 93.4 mph in 2015 to 95.0 mph last year, and that tied for fifth in the majors with Detroit’s . The O’s Pedro Alvarez was eighth at 94.8 mph.

A look at exit velocities for other Orioles in 2016: 92.3 - Chris Davis 92.2 - Manny Machado and Hyun Soo Kim 91.5 - J.J. Hardy 89.9 - Adam Jones 89.1 - Matt Wieters 88.8 - Jonathan Schoop

The major league average for exit velocity is 89.6 mph. Schoop hits so many long homers that his number here surprised me. Meanwhile, in a very small sample size, Trey Mancini had an average exit velocity of 95.8 mph.

Trumbo set out to make specific improvements and did, leading to easily his best power season. In October, he looked back on his strong season.

“I’m obviously very happy with it,” he said. “I think this was a year where some of the goals I had in the offseason were really able to materialize. I think, coming into this year, I wanted to really focus on driving the ball, doing it consistently and keeping that approach through the entire season. Fortunately, I was able to see that through.”

While Trumbo is not a good defensive outfielder and doesn’t produce a high OBP, he can bring some team a lot of homers. The improvements he made could mean that his big 2016 homer season is less of an outlier and more of the exact hitter he can be moving forward.

Now we wait to find out how big that will pay off for the free agent, and when and where he will sign for 2017 and beyond.

With so much data, statistics and technology now available to all of us in baseball, Trumbo is one player that put the information to good use in 2016 to take his game to another level. It led to his best season.

http://www.masnsports.com/orioles-buzz/2016/12/birdland-heroes-wrapup.html

Orioles honor local heroes through Birdland Community Heroes, Americana Music programs

By Brian Eller / MASNsports.com December 31, 2016

Camden Yards once again welcomed millions of fans during the 2016 season. Those legions of Birdland-obsessed, orange-and-black-clad supporters who made the annual summer pilgrimage to the ballpark each night the O’s took the field made up a part of the millions of visitors - and counting - who have urged their baseball heroes on the diamond to victory each night over the past 25 seasons.

It was another season to remember at the ballpark that changed baseball, with the Birds notching their third playoff appearance in the past five seasons and continuing to lead the American League in wins over that period.

Beyond the success the Orioles players found in their on-field objectives, the Orioles front office made it the organization’s larger mission to take a league-leading role in fusing community altruism and artistic excellence with national pride, with the nation’s pastime acting as the catalyst for recognizing these pillars of American culture. It was in the stands and at the microphone perched atop the O’s dugout during each seventh-inning stretch at Camden Yards where the true heroes of Birdland - those individuals from all walks of life performing a myriad of occupations and initiatives and found all over the Orioles’ vast seven-state regional community - took center stage to be honored in song for their selfless contributions to their fellow men and women.

During each weekend home series, local men and women selected for their charitable and civic contributions to others were honored through the Birdland Community Heroes and Americana Music Program. Their contributions, and in many cases their life’s work in service to others, were commemorated in the performance of a different great American song. Fans at Camden Yards were introduced to more than 30 top talent artists from around the region and the country, each with their own style and love of music. They all took center stage to perform great American songs central to the history, societal struggles and achievements of all Americans, songs that resonate with the history of the game of baseball, and songs that are some of this country’s most historic and influential pieces.

“The idea behind the Birdland Community Heroes and Americana Music Program is to harness baseball’s big tent appoach to welcome millions of our citizens from every neighborhood and community across our region and to showcase the reality that every single member of our community can be recognized and included at Oriole Park for the valuable contributions made to their community and to their fellow man,” said John P. Angelos, Executive Vice President of the Orioles and President of MASN. “The individuals we have and will continue to recognize through this popular program hail from all walks of life are involved in a countless number of diverse occupations and initiatives, including teachers, community fundraisers and organizers, health and wellness providers, safety and security providers, scientists and researchers, volunteers, and others who enhance the quality of life here at home and who all are together making an equal contribution to the country’s welfare and enduring stability.”

At each weekend home game, talented musicians, all donating their time and abilities to honor each Birdland Hero, performed a different song representing the spirit of America, with artists performing “God Bless America” on Sundays, singing “America, The Beautiful” every Saturday, and delivering “This Land is Your Land” at every Friday ballgame. This unique program earned recognition from observers around the country for the ballclub’s use of its baseball assets to facilitate the fusion of American history, Americana music and culture, and support for heroism among citizens. In September, The New York Times commended the Orioles for the distinction of being the only franchise in Major League Baseball to regularly perform all three great songs at its home ballpark.

The Birdland Community Heroes Americana Music program is devoted to utilizing the unique power of song combined with the reach of Oriole Park, MASN television, Orioles Radio, and the Orioles and MASN’s social media platforms. The purpose is two-fold: to raise awareness among millions of O’s fans about the impact that heroes from every part of the extended Orioles community are making each day in neighborhoods throughout the region, and to use the power of America’s most iconic songs to honor heroes’ contibutions.

This past season, 34 individuals were nominated as Birdland Community Heroes, and it was an amazing collection of people, representing a variety of ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

There was Reneita Smith, whose act of heroism was met with national attention after she rescued 20 elementary school students from a fire on the school bus she was driving. There was Capt. Florent Groberg, the U.S. Army member who received the Medal of Honor for his unparalleled bravery in combat during the War in Afghanistan, and Jennifer Brause, the founder of the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), the largest open admission animal shelter in Maryland. Majbritt Jensen, a social worker at the University of Maryland Medical Center, works with patients in the Bone Marrow Transplant program in the Greenebaum Cancer Center. She initiates and facilitates two support groups and has developed a “Caregiver Contract” for her allogeneic caregivers. Dan Blue, a science teacher at Dunloggin Middle School in Ellicott City, was recognized for his dedication in providing thousands of pieces of baseball equipment for children both locally and internationally.

And make no mistake, being a hero in the community is certainly not exclusive to adults. A pair of 11-year-olds, Ivan Gelrum and Madison Strempek, were each honored at Camden Yards this season for their outstanding acts of bravery and selflessness. Gelrum, while working as a safety patrolman at Diamond Elementary School, jumped into action to save a child from an oncoming bus in 2015. For his efforts, Gelrum was one of just 11 students to receive the prestigious AAA National Livesaving medal and enjoyed the Orioles game on May 7 to a rousing ovation of fans at the ballpark that evening. Strempek, meanwhile, has sparked the discussion on children growing up with an incarcerated parent. A native of Crofton, Maryland, Strempek is the author of the No. 1 best-selling book, “Everyone Makes Mistakes: Living with My Daddy in Jail.” In addition to penning the book, Strempek wrote a letter to President Barack Obama, asking for criminal justice reform and was even recognized by the President for her efforts.

On the surface, the Birdland Heroes and Americana Music initiative is a tribute to communities that produce countless heroes from different walks of life while providing musicians the opportunities to honor their fellow citizens in a unique environment. The program also serves as the Orioles’ latest effort to extend baseball’s open arms, demonstrating how sport and music in America can galvanize the community spirit of altruism found in every American community member.

“This organization takes the greatest pride in acting as a focal point in attracting now almost 70 million Americans from around the region and the nation through the magic of the game of baseball who travel to downtown Baltimore City and join together as part of the Oriole Park at Camden Yards community,” Angelos said. “A gathering of so many Americans over a quarter century at this ballpark to observe a pastoral game many played as kids is the ideal setting in which to recognize the many great and impactful yet humble and unknown individuals who quietly and selflessly give to others around the corner and around the country. Their efforts are truly heroic and have inspired not only the name but the mission of this program honoring the power of people to through the ordinary acts of a few make extraordinary change for many.”

As for music’s impact on sports, the relationship between the two sources of entertainment is a longstanding and important one. As the earliest professional sport, baseball and music have been inextricably tied together for more than 100 years. Songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” are heard at nearly every baseball game.

At Camden Yards, our national anthem is performed by a different artist each night, and each weekend those artists often also performing the Birdland Community Heroes song for that evening. John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” has become synonymous with the seventh-inning stretch, and “America the Beautiful” was often discussed at different points in American history as preferred by many as an alternate or replacement national anthem. “This Land is Your Land” is a generational song identified with advancements in equality for women, minority members and others of our community who both in the sport of baseball and the country as a whole finally and successfully achieved equal recognition under the law. The song has been covered by many iconic American artists, perhaps most in well-known recent fashion by Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Bruce Springsteen.

The 2016 season was the first full season that featured the Birdland Community Heroes and Americana Music program, following the introduction of the program in smaller runs in prior seasons to widespread popular response by fans, and the Orioles have big plans to continue the program in 2017 and beyond. It will be difficult to replicate the heroes we saw honored at Camden Yards this past season, but it is a challenge the Orioles embrace. The Orioles are using a grassroots approach to identifying community heroes and have invited everyone to nominate those in they believe have made a heroic impact on the community. If you are interested in nominating someone you believe deserves to be honored, submit your choice here. You will have the opportunity to share your nomination and why you feel your nominee deserves to be selected as a Birdland Community Hero.

http://insider.espn.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post/_/id/33089/mlb-rumor-central-could-mark-trumbo- still-return-to-baltimore

MLB Rumor Central: Could Mark Trumbo still return to Baltimore?

By Doug Mittler / ESPN.com December 27, 2016

The ' offer to Mark Trumbo may no longer be on the table, but that does not mean they have completely moved on from the free-agent outfielder.

Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com notes the Orioles pulled an offer to Chris Davis last offseason before agreeing to a seven-year $161 million deal with the first baseman in late January. GM Dan Duquette could be open to the same philosophy with Trumbo, who is looking to cash in after leading the majors with 47 homers and driving in 108 runs in his first season in Baltimore.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden wrote last week that the Orioles remain the best fit for Trumbo, who also has been linked to the Rockies, Mariners and Marlins. “If the O’s put their offer back on the table, he should just take it and call a news conference,” Bowden writes.

The Orioles are pursuing several options for their opening in right field, including free agent Rajai Davis, wrote Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun last week.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/30/the-orioles-unforgettable-and-forgettable-in-2016

The Orioles' Unforgettable And Forgettable In 2016

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com December 30, 2016

As 2016 mercifully draws to a close, it's time to look back on some of the unforgettable and forgettable moments of a fascinating Orioles season.

There won't be any discussion about the wild-card game here. That's been parsed enough. So has catcher Caleb Joseph's RBI-less season and first baseman Chris Davis' contract.

Home Run Happy And Unhappy: The Orioles hit 253 home runs in 2016, four shy of their 1996 record. Within those 253, there were some memorable ones.

Mark Trumbo became the first Oriole to hit two home runs in an inning April 15 in Texas. Manny Machado hit three home runs in the first three innings of the Aug. 7 game in Chicago. No Oriole had ever done that, either.

Less than two weeks later, Aug. 19, the first five Orioles batters smashed four home runs: Adam Jones, Machado, Davis and Trumbo. The Orioles lost that game, 15-8.

Trumbo became the fourth straight Oriole to lead the American League in home runs with 47. Davis led the league in 2013 and 2015. Nelson Cruz led the AL in 2014.

It's the first time multiple players have led a league in home runs in four straight years since the San Francisco Giants in 1961-65. Three Giants led the National League in those five years.

Strikeout Madness: Davis struck out 219 times in 2016, third-most in baseball history. It was the second time he's struck out more than 200 times in a season.

There have been nine 200- seasons in the major leagues. While Davis is the only one to "accomplish" that in an Orioles uniform, six of the nine 200-strikeout seasons belong to onetime Orioles.

Mark Reynolds, who holds the all-time record with 223 in 2009 did it three times with Arizona in 2009, and Drew Stubbs did it in 2011 with Cincinnati.

Chris Carter, whose name has for some reason been linked with the Orioles, struck out 206 times for Milwaukee last season and is now a free agent.

Last month, the Orioles claimed Adam Brett Walker on waivers from the Brewers. The onetime hot prospect, struck out 202 times for Triple-A Rochester in 2016.

Iron Men: Jonathan Schoop was one of three major league players to play in all 162 games. Since Cal Ripken Jr. ended his streak in 1998, an Oriole has led the American League in games played eight times.

That's the most in the AL during that time.

Tillman Rules: Chris Tillman has a lifetime winning percentage of .600, fifth-highest in team history. Only Mike Mussina, Jim Palmer, and Dave McNally, have a higher winning percentage.

With eight more wins, Tillman would be in 10th place on the team's all-time win list.

Saving Zach: Zach Britton had a marvelous 2016 season with an unfathomable 0.54 ERA and 47 consecutive converted saves.

Somehow, Britton finished only fourth in the Cy Young Award voting.

Britton has 120 saves in just less than three seasons of closing, and that's good for third place on the team's all-time saves list.

If Britton, who hasn't blown a save since Sept. 20, 2015, saves 41 games in 2017, he'll become the team's all-time saves leader, passing .

Strangest Signing: On July 30, Logan Ondrusek suddenly appeared in the Orioles' clubhouse. The team signed him after he was unhappy pitching in Japan and returned to the U.S.

The right-handed reliever replaced Chaz Roe, who was promptly claimed on waivers by Atlanta. In two brief Orioles stints, Ondrusek had a 9.95 ERA over nine games. He was outrighted to Double-A Bowie and forgotten.

Last month, the Orioles signed the now minor league free agent to a major league contract for 2017 with an option for 2018.

Misunderstood Adam: Orioles fans often don't appreciate the excellence of Adam Jones, harping on his outfield positioning and his insistence on first-pitch swinging.

With few other options, manager Buck Showalter elevated the slumping Jones to leadoff in late May.

Jones, who batted .282 as leadoff batter, hit .302 with 11 home runs on the first pitch. On a 1-0 count, Jones batted .426.

He walked a career-high 39 times in 2016.

Orioles Stay Put: The Orioles stole just 19 bases in 2016, last in the American League. Outfielder Joey Rickard, who didn't play after July 20, led the team with four.

Machado, who stole 20 bases in 2015, didn't steal any last season.

Ryan Flaherty, who stole two, has stolen six bases in his five-year major league career without being thrown out.

Quote of the Year: "We're in the middle of May. Everybody's trying to figure out who they are, whether they're a dancer or someone who spins the records." Buck Showalter May 19.

Quote of the Year II: After Jones was quoted in the USA Today, saying that baseball was "a white man's sport," he spoke about it for 12.5 minutes in Boston.

"For me, it was the right time. I know all those guys have spoken up at some point in time. Here's my biggest thing, society doesn't mind us helping out the hood and the inner cities, but they have a problem when we speak about the hood and the inner cities. I don't understand it." Jones Sept. 12.

Quote of the Year III: "I don't regret anything. It's part of the game. Reactions fly. When somebody's throwing 99 [mph] at you, it's going to hurt. You can ruin someone's career. You don't think in that situation. You just react to it. It happened." Manny Machado June 7 after he charged the mound when Kansas City's Yordano Ventura hit him with a pitch

Quote of the Year IV: On Aug. 20, for the first time in his major league managerial career, Showalter used a position player to save his bullpen,

Flaherty pitched for the first time since high school, allowing a run in one inning.

"Wasn't very good then and still not," Flaherty said.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/29/why-an-extension-for-jonathan-schoop-makes- sense-for-orioles

Why An Extension For Jonathan Schoop Makes Sense For Orioles

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com December 29, 2016

The Orioles need a win this offseason, and the best way is to sign Jonathan Schoop to an extension.

Schoop's free agency is still three years away, but this would be an ideal time to lock in a player who is rapidly improving and yet relatively overlooked.

The American League is stacked with skilled second basemen: Houston's Jose Altuve, Seattle's Robinson Cano, Minnesota's Brian Dozier, Detroit's Ian Kinsler, Cleveland's Jason Kipnis and Boston's Dustin Pedroia stand out.

While Schoop's stats don't compare with that group, he's still extremely valuable.

A year after missing nearly half the season with a knee injury, Schoop patterned himself after his buddy, Manny Machado. In 2015, a year after his second knee surgery, Machado was the only major leaguer to play in each of his team's games. Schoop was one of just three players to play in all 162 games. Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar and Houston outfielder were the others.

Leading the league in games played seems to be an Orioles tradition. Ever since Cal Ripken Jr. ended his consecutive games played streak at 2,632 in 1998, an Oriole has led the AL in games played eight times. (B.J. Surhoff 1999, 2004-06, 2009, Adam Jones 2012, Machado 2015 and Schoop 2016).

Don't bet on Schoop playing every game again in 2017. He wore down noticeably during the second half of last season. In the first half, Schoop hit .304 and fell to .225 in the second half, and after Sept. 1, he hit .196.

While Schoop didn't necessarily hit for average late in the season, his power numbers were consistent. He hit four home runs in April, May, July, August and September and five in June. His monthly RBIs ranged from 11 to 18. For the season, Schoop had 25 home runs, 82 RBIs and hit .267.

One area Schoop needs to show more improvement in is striking out less and walking more. He walked just 21 times and struck out 137. That was a slight improvement over 2014, when Schoop struck out nearly 10 times as often as he walked (122 to 13).

Along with Machado, Jones and left fielder Hyun Soo Kim, Schoop is scheduled to miss a chunk of spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

As he did in 2013, the 25-year-old native of Curacao will play for the Netherlands, while Machado plays for the Dominican Republic, Jones for Team USA and Kim for South Korea.

Schoop is in his first year of arbitration eligibility. MLBTradeRumors.com projects Schoop will earn $3.4 million.

Under executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette, the Orioles have been loath to go the arbitration route for top-shelf players, settling in the past few years with Zach Britton, Manny Machado and Chris Tillman ahead of hearings.

The only times in Duquette's five years they taken a player to arbitration were 2012 (pitcher Brad Bergesen) and 2015 (outfielder Alejandro De Aza). The team won both times, but both players performed poorly and didn't finish the season with the Orioles.

In the first half of the offseason, the Orioles' main move was to sign catcher Welington Castillo while continuing to look for outfielders and perhaps a designated hitter.

Earlier this month at the MLB Winter Meetings, Duquette indicated he was open to extension talks for Britton, Machado and Tillman, as well as Schoop.

Duquette had some preliminary talks with Tillman's agents. The Orioles will have to act quickly, because Tillman is set for free agency after the 2017 season, and the team's best starting pitcher since Mike Mussina left in 2000, will be difficult to re-sign.

If an older, far less accomplished pitcher, left-hander Rich Hill, can sign for $48 million for three years, Tillman can command far more in years and dollars.

A Machado extension would be extraordinarily costly, and an extension for a reliever, even for one as valuable as Britton, is unlikely two years out.

Extending Schoop for five or even six years would be good business and, for now, easier than extending Britton, Machado or Tillman for the Orioles. They could buy out three years of arbitration and basically sign him to a two or three-year extension since he's under club control for the 2017-19 seasons. Even with a five-year contract, Schoop would be eligible for free agency at 30.

It also would show an increasingly restive fan base that the Orioles are being proactive. While it may be cost-effective to wait out outfielder Mark Trumbo and designated hitter Pedro Alvarez, Schoop plays a position that's much more highly valued, and extending him now should be cheaper than in 2019.

By then, Machado, Jones, who is also eligible for free agency in 2018, and shortstop J.J. Hardy, who could become a free agent after next season, may have moved on, and Schoop could become the franchise's face.

Schoop enjoys playing for the Orioles, and manager Buck Showalter enjoys having him. An extension now makes good sense for all.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/29/orioles-should-consider-moving-chris-davis-to- right-field

Orioles Should Consider Moving Chris Davis To Right Field

By Stan Charles / PressBoxOnline.com December 29, 2016

Appearing on 105.7 The Fan's " Hot Stove Show" Dec. 15, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis said there has to be a sense of urgency that now is the time for the Orioles.

Those sentiments really hit home and touch on the 8,000-pound elephant in the room: the Orioles have third baseman Manny Machado and closer Zach Britton under team control for only a few more years, so this is the most realistic window for Orioles World Series contention.

While appearing on the Hot Stove Show, Davis was asked about the possibility of trading closer Zach Britton. Davis said he sees no reason to take away one of the club's most important and impactful players, as well as the league's top . Instead, he'd like to see a couple outside players added to help the team get every advantage possible in what now figures to be a much tougher path through the American League East.

Taking all this into consideration, what is executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette's best set of moves to provide manager Buck Showalter the best possible 25-man roster?

Let's start with a look at the hole that currently exists in right field. Several names have been mentioned, including free agents such as Colby Rasmus, Michael Saunders, Angel Pagan, Rajai Davis and Jose Bautista, as well as possible trade candidates in the form of Mets outfielders and Jay Bruce, who would cost the team right-handed bullpen fixture Brad Brach.

Also, there is the lengthy dalliance with the club's own free-agent outfielder, Mark Trumbo. The two sides seem to agree upon only one thing: the length of a proposed four-year contract. But apparently the Trumbo team is still seeking a contract north of $65 million, while the Orioles seem to feel his top figure would have to be about $52-55 million. That offer, for the record, is supposedly off the table, yet the player and the team are still in touch.

While a Trumbo return would make the team better than it is today, it's not the "big" move that will tip the World Series odds in the Orioles' favor.

That move, in my book, is taking the best right fielder currently on the roster and deciding to move him off first base. That's right, moving Davis back to the outfield allows the O's to make moves that could set in motion the true advancement of their on-base capability they claim to want.

With Davis set to play right field, the Orioles could then sign first baseman Mike Napoli and place him (and his career .352 OBP with World Series experience) squarely in the middle of the order. Napoli, 35, on a two-year $24-25 million deal (without losing a draft pick, as the Cleveland Indians did not offer Napoli a qualifying offer) makes much more sense than signing Trumbo and his career .303 OBP for four years at double the cost.

While Davis is the Orioles' best first baseman, he is also potentially the best defensive right fielder on the team. Napoli is solid at first, and, of course, he can play designated hitter on plenty of occasions as well. Once Napoli would be on board, the Orioles should also spend about $7 million on outfielder Rajai Davis. Davis is not a high-OBP player (.314), and consequently, he wouldn't play every day for me. He'd play plenty but would lead off against all lefties, who he carries a .343 career OBP against. In addition to adding a dimension of speed, he'd also provide Showalter with a backup center fielder for Adam Jones, who would better serve the Orioles as a 140- to 145-game a year performer at this point in his career.

With these two additions to the Orioles' roster, the payroll would approximate $170 million, which is exactly double what it was when Duquette took over in November 2011. These two moves would accurately reflect Davis' desired sense of urgency that now is the time for the Orioles to seriously contend for a championship.

But no matter which way the Orioles move from there, they gain a lot more roster flexibility with Davis in right field. A true sense of urgency demands no less than this move.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/28/can-tyler-wilson-be-a-real-contributor-for-orioles- in-2017

Can Tyler Wilson Be A Real Contributor For Orioles In 2017?

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com December 28, 2016

Late in last year's spring training, Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter paid right-handed pitcher Tyler Wilson a compliment. Wilson and several others were "trustworthy players," Showalter said.

In Showalter's lexicon, trustworthy players are those who may not be superstars but can be depended on to give the team a creditable performance.

Wilson may well have lost his manager's trust in 2016. It's his job to earn it back in 2017.

He began the season in the bullpen, but after three relief appearances, ascended to the starting rotation and stayed there until just before the All-Star break.

There were some good outings. On June 16, he pitched eight shutout innings at Fenway Park, allowing just three hits, but after giving up eight runs in three innings at Seattle July 2, Wilson went back to the Triple-A .

He was recalled three times during the second half of the season, pitching in just eight games and throwing 13 innings. Overall, Wilson had a 4-6 record with a 5.27 ERA.

After a 3.50 ERA in nine 2015 games, the Orioles were hoping for better from Wilson.

"I think there was a lot of good and a lot of bad," Wilson said at the Orioles Holiday Party for Children earlier this month. "I think the bad is part of the development. My first couple years in the big leagues, there's a lot of things I've learned, and that's a product of those struggles. I'm thankful for that.

"Obviously, you don't want those struggles, as far as results go, but you have to face adversity to be able to learn and grow as a player. So, I'm looking forward to the upcoming season."

Last year, the Orioles parted ways with right-handed pitcher Miguel Gonzalez during spring training. While Gonzalez struggled during the spring, the move helped the Orioles financially. Wilson and Mike Wright were counted on to replace Gonzalez as well as former free-agent right- hander Yovani Gallardo, who spent two months on the disabled list. However, Wright's stats were slightly worse than Wilson's (3-4 with a 5.79 ERA).

"The game is still the game in the big leagues -- like everybody talks about," Wilson said, "but there's certain things that don't necessarily fly in the big leagues that maybe do in the minor leagues. Just witnessing it firsthand, it's a lot easier to grow and learn from that, being on the mound and witnessing those things happen, or the dugout or bullpen, wherever it may be. It's just a lot easier to witness them happen and learn from those."

When Wilson was initially sent to Norfolk July 3, the Orioles felt his arm was tired, but he never really recovered.

"I think that's one of the biggest takeaways from last year, is I felt really good in spring training and the first half of the year and then kind of hit a wall, per se, in the second half," Wilson said. "And the second half is the most important half of the season. I've made some adjustments in my offseason training and hopefully can be on the incline going into the second half rather than maxing out earlier in the season, when it's not as valuable."

In 2017, Wilson will likely have to make the team not as a starter -- because the Orioles currently have six projected starting pitchers -- but as a reliever.

If all six starters -- Gallardo, left-hander Wade Miley and right-handers Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy and Ubaldo Jimenez -- are carried, that leaves room for six true relievers.

If there aren't any trades and all are healthy, five spots are accounted for: lefty closer Zach Britton, righties Brad Brach, Darren O'Day and Mychal Givens and left-hander Donnie Hart.

That leaves Wilson, Wright, right-handers Logan Verrett and Logan Ondrusek and left-hander T.J. McFarland as the leading contenders for the final spot.

All except Ondrusek have started in the major leagues and can serve as long men, and all but McFarland -- who had a rocky 2016 but is the only lefty -- have options remaining.

"We had really good pitchers last year, and it was a battle to be in the mix sometimes," Wilson said. "That intra-team competition is a really good thing. It's a good problem to have, too much starting pitching or trying to decide who's going to be the guy. It doesn't change my motivation; it doesn't change anyone's motivation. You go out there and train to do whatever you can to help the team. And whatever role that ends up being, I'll be prepared for it."

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/27/could-jesus-liranzo-be-orioles-next-mychal-givens- or-donnie-hart

Could Jesus Liranzo Be Orioles' Next Mychal Givens Or Donnie Hart?

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com December 27, 2016

For the past five years, the Baltimore Orioles have held a January minicamp. It's a low-key affair, but the three days in Sarasota, Fla., have paid huge benefits to the team.

In 2012 and 2013, minicamp was unpublicized and held in Baltimore. The first minicamp paid dividends when right-hander Stu Pomeranz showed up and pitched so well that he received an invitation to minor league spring training.

Pomeranz, a onetime second-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals whose career had been slowed by substance abuse issues, pitched in three games for the Orioles that season.

By 2014, the camp moved to Sarasota, and news was made when right-handed pitcher Alfredo Aceves and outfielder Delmon Young signed with the Orioles during the three days.

But, the biggest payoffs of all came during the last two years.

In 2015, pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti got a look at right-hander Mychal Givens, a converted infielder who became a reliever in 2013.

Givens was called up to the Orioles from the Double-A later that season and has become a top-shelf reliever.

Last year, left-handed reliever Donnie Hart was at minicamp, and he too was an in-season call up from the Baysox, and he's made quite an impression.

This year, the camp will give new pitching coach Roger McDowell and bullpen coach Alan Mills, who coached both Givens and Hart at Bowie, an opportunity to get to know some pitchers who may pitch for the Orioles in 2017 and beyond.

Veteran pitchers who live in the area, such as left-handed closer Zach Britton or right-handed starter Chris Tillman, may be there, but won't throw. They've used the minicamps to check in with the coaches and may take the opportunity to meet McDowell. Mills has already worked with the pitchers in spring training and was a late-season addition to the coaching staff in 2016.

Players who are arbitration eligible are not supposed to participate, but they can attend. Last year, Givens, who is still two seasons away from arbitration, didn't throw, but because he lives in nearby Tampa Bay, Fla., came to meet with the coaches.

It's generally a pitchers and catchers camp, but in 2015, third baseman Manny Machado drove over from Miami to show manager Buck Showalter how strong his surgically repaired knee was, and this year, the Orioles are hoping outfielder Joey Rickard, who didn't play after July 20 because of an injury to a ligament in his right thumb, will demonstrate that's healed, too.

But, the main focus is for McDowell to get to know these guys and maybe find 2017's Givens and Hart.

Here's a nomination: right-hander Jesus Liranzo, who was quietly added to the 40-man roster Nov. 18.

The 21-year-old Liranzo has pitched in the U.S. for just one year, but the Orioles were afraid he would be gobbled up in the Rule 5 draft if they didn't protect him.

From 2012-15, Liranzo pitched three seasons in the Dominican Summer League but missed the 2014 season with an elbow injury.

Originally signed out of the Dominican Republic by the , where McDowell came from, Liranzo was released by the Braves during the 2013 season but signed by the Orioles.

After a strong 2015 with the Orioles' Dominican Summer League team where he didn't allow a home run in 38.1 innings, Liranzo began last season with the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds.

In 34.1 innings with the Shorebirds, Liranzo allowed just three earned runs on 12 hits with 46 strikeouts, and he jumped to Bowie.

With the Baysox, Liranzo was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 18.2 innings, giving up just eight hits.

For now, the Orioles' bullpen looks filled with Britton, Givens, Hart, and right-handers Brad Brach and Darren O'Day returning. Left-hander T.J. McFarland and righties Logan Ondrusek, Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright all pitched in the major leagues in 2016. So did lefty Jayson Aquino and right-handers Parker Bridwell and Oliver Drake, who are on the 40-man roster, too.

That depth won't stop Showalter if he's convinced Liranzo can help the Orioles sometime in 2017. As demonstrated with Givens and Hart, the team has shown a great ability to develop relievers.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/12/26/five-things-to-know-about-orioles-prospect-tanner- scott

Five Things To Know About Orioles Prospect Tanner Scott

By Connor Glowacki / PressBoxOnline.com December 26, 2016

Checking in at No. 10 on Baseball America's annual list of top 10 Orioles prospects is pitcher Tanner Scott. Here are five things to know about the 22-year-old left-hander.

1. 2014 Sixth-Round Pick The Orioles selected the 6-foot-2, 220-pound lefty in the sixth round of the 2014 Major League Baseball amateur draft. The 2014 season was Scott's second playing for Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. He originally committed to continue his collegiate career at Texas Tech, but plans changed due to the draft, and he soon headed north to Baltimore. The slot value for the pick was approximately $240,000, but the Orioles instead offered him a $650,000 signing bonus.

2. A Junior-College Standout During his sophomore season at Howard College, Scott made five starts in 13 appearances for the Hawks and posted a 7-4 record with a 2.66 ERA and 76 strikeouts. A March 2014 report from the baseball scouting website, A Perfect Game, said Scott had reached a pitching velocity of 92-95 mph as a starter and 97 mph as a reliever.

3. Hit The Ground Running At Single-A After he signed, Scott jumped into the Orioles' farm system and played 10 games in the Gulf Coast League in 2014. He struggled during his first minor-league stop, after he posted a 1-5 record with a 6.26 ERA. Scott did record 23 strikeouts, but he also gave up 21 hits and 20 walks to opposing batters.

However, Scott had a much better 2015 in the minor leagues, as he posted a 4-3 record with a 3.83 ERA during 18 combined games with the Low-A Aberdeen IronBirds and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds.

His strikeout-to-walk ratio at these two stops was a combined 2.73-to-one, compared to the 1.15- to-one ratio he posted a year earlier in the Gulf Coast League. Later in 2015, Scott played eight games in the Arizona Fall League for the Peoria Javelinas, where he posted a 2.00 ERA in nine innings of work.

In December 2015, O's scouting director Gary Rajsich said even though Scott needed some development, "now that he's getting to that point where he's throwing the ball over the plate more often, we've seen that triple-digit velocity. And for a left-hander, there are only a handful of guys doing that. That is why he is getting all the attention he is."

4. Began Receiving Accolades With Frederick In 2016 After making significant improvements in 2015, Scott appeared on several lists detailing the top prospects in the Orioles farm system.

In 2016, MLB.com ranked Scott 10th in the O's farm system, Fangraphs.com ranked Scott 15th and the executive director of the website MinorLeagueBaseball.com, John Sickels, had him ranked 19th. Scott found success during his 29 games with the , the High-A affiliate of the Orioles, as he posted a 4-2 record with 63 strikeouts compared to 42 walks and 22 hits allowed, although, Scott's ERA jumped to 4.47.

During the summer, Scott told The Baltimore Sun 's Jon Meoli he placed a lot of pressure on himself early in his tenure with the Keys due to the attention he was receiving in the baseball world after a successful 2015 campaign.

However, Scott's play improved in Frederick, as his last 12 appearances showcased, allowing just seven hits and one earned run.

5. Improving, But Still A Work In Progress Despite his initial struggles with Frederick, Scott's improvement and readily apparent major- league potential allowed him the opportunity to move up and play for the Double-A Bowie Baysox in 2016.

But the promotion brought tougher competition, and Scott struggled in his 14 games with the Baysox, as he posted a 1-2 record with a 5.62 ERA. He also only recorded 18 strikeouts compared to giving up 18 hits and 15 walks during that time span.

In 2016, Scott forced a 56.3 percent groundball rate with Frederick and a 58.5 percent rate with Bowie. And with Scott successfully demonstrating the ability to clock pitches in at more than 100 mph, there's still a high ceiling for the 22-year-old lefty. That being said, it's most likely he'll start the 2017 season back in Bowie.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2016/12/29/post-new-years-day-buys-now-important-pre- christmas-shopping-baseball/

Post-New Year’s Day buys are now more important than pre-Christmas shopping in baseball

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com December 28, 2016

Well, you’ve made it past the Christmas frenzy and are limping your way to New Year’s Day. Congratulations. I hope you still have some cash left in your wallets or purses. I’m a father of three. I don’t.

Theoretically, baseball’s general managers still have some money to spend. Or at least the dozens of free agents available on the open market are hoping that’s the case.

One of the things that has really changed in my years of covering baseball is how long the free- agent season lasts nowadays.

When I first started covering the sport, the sense was that all the top free agents needed to be signed by Christmas. It was primarily a personal thing. Most free agents are in their late 20s or early 30s – and that means most are family men. They, along with their wives and kids, wanted to know where their families were going to be as soon as possible. So, having some normalcy by Christmas was a major goal. I remember that being a huge priority for Miguel Tejada, who signed with the Orioles a week before Christmas in 2003.

That’s not the case anymore. At some point in the mid-2000s, it seemed like the big-name free agents started signing later and later, a concept that super-agent Scott Boras seemed to champion. He allowed the market to “percolate” before pitting a couple teams against each other in January.

The past few years, a few of the most coveted free agents have inked new contracts by December 25. But plenty of free agents were still jobless going into the new year – and beyond.

It’s a concept that Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has monitored expertly. We all know about his bargain-shopping in January and February. This year, he should be able to get a door-buster special or two if he is so inclined (and has the funds for it).

At the beginning of the free-agent season, I wrote about 10 players I thought would be the best fits for the Orioles. Seven of them remain unsigned. The piece was written before catcher Welington Castillo (pictured above) was non-tendered by the , or he would have been on the list. And, ultimately, the Orioles signed him earlier this month.

That means two of the remaining seven should be scratched off now, since they are both catchers. But five – outfielders Angel Pagan, Michael Saunders and Michael Bourn, designated hitter Pedro Alvarez and reliever Boone Logan – are still out there for the taking.

And so is a host of mediocre starting pitchers that the Orioles likely will avoid, and plenty of outfielder/DH types that present varying fits for the club, including Mark Trumbo, Mike Napoli, Jose Bautista, Rajai Davis, Colby Rasmus and Chris Carter.

Consider that nine of the Top 10 free agents ranked by mlbtraderumors.com have found jobs (Trumbo, slated as the eighth best, is still weighing offers). Seven of the next 15 still haven’t signed, however. And soon there will be a new year to fill out on those big checks.

So why the even more obvious delay this year?

One, this just isn’t a particularly inspiring free-agent class, so teams have taken their time picking the right fit or fits.

Two, this is the last year of the qualifying offer as we know it (clubs will no longer lose first- rounders when they sign a player with a qualifying offer starting in the 2017 offseason). So, it may be even more of a burden to some players this winter than it has been in the past. Trumbo and Bautista are the two free agents with qualifying offers that are still on the open market.

Three, the free-agent season got off to a bit of a late start because teams and agents were waiting for a new collective bargaining agreement to be ratified.

Fourth, teams like the Orioles have proven that if you’re patient, you can land a quality player on a relatively expensive short-term deal. And a lot of clubs seem to be approaching free agency that way. In fact, rarely is free agency seen as a salve these days. Instead, it’s viewed, in many cases, as a last resort if trades and vacancies filled from within don’t work.

That’s certainly how the Orioles viewed free agency this year. They went in looking for a catcher and an outfielder and potentially a DH. They got their catcher, Castillo, on a one-year deal (with a player option) and are now concentrating on an outfielder. And if a DH type falls into the shopping basket, they’ll accept that, too.

But Duquette – and plenty of other GMs – aren’t maxing out credit cards this year before Christmas. They are waiting.

Some dominoes could fall this week, which is traditionally a slow one in Major League Baseball. But I’d expect a chunk of free agents to sign within the next three weeks. And then more stragglers to find jobs in late January or early February.

The free-agent-signing timeline really has changed in the past few years for various reasons.

Unlike when I started, there’s no longer any panic if the right players aren’t under a GM’s tree on Christmas morning.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2016/12/31/thanks-2016-heres-hoping-even-better-2017- baltimorebaseball-com/

Thanks for 2016 — and here’s hoping for an even better 2017 at BaltimoreBaseball.com

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com December 30, 2016

Happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to all of our BaltimoreBaseball.com readers.

It’s typically a slow week or two in the baseball world from around Christmastime to shortly after New Year’s Day, and we’ve taken advantage of that down period to spend a little time recharging the batteries. We’ll get back to daily coverage later this week.

Meanwhile, all of us at BaltimoreBaseball.com wanted to thank you for your interest in 2016 and wanted you to know that we will be back in 2017 for our second calendar year covering the Orioles. And we really hope we can build on what we started in 2016.

For those of you who are newcomers to the site, or just came to us midswim earlier this year, here’s a little background:

In December 2015, I took the buyout from The Baltimore Sun after nearly 11 years as a baseball writer there and 15 total seasons covering the Orioles on a daily basis. I had no idea what I was going to do. I just knew that I needed something different, something where I could have a little better control of my schedule and be able to spend more time with my family.

In March 2016, I found it.

I agreed to a partnership with Steve Cockey, a local internet advertising specialist and huge Orioles fan who wanted to mix his passion with his skills. Together, we created a website that would cover the Orioles in a slightly different way: More commentary; no game stories; more podcasts and videos; less minutiae.

We know there are other good sites out there for Orioles news. Several do a great job with that. So, we figured we needed to be a little more big-picture to survive.

We have a presence at most home games, and the occasional road contest. Our photographer, Joy Absalon, does a tremendous job providing us with Orioles images to use with our daily blogs — pieces you can access through our free mobile app or on the website.

What we’re hoping to do is fill in the blanks a little bit and explain why things are happening or what they mean for the team. And give you fresh insight into your favorite team and players, like the “Know Your O’s” video feature, in which I sit down and BS a little with an Oriole.

We also wanted to enhance coverage in and around Baltimore on subjects that don’t get as much media exposure. We put a spotlight on the Orioles’ minor league affiliates with our “Minor League Podcast with Adam Pohl” and “The Dean Jones Report.” We also added some high school baseball coverage with our “Prep Ballplayer of the Week” feature and weekly vote, which was exceptionally popular (we had 53,000 votes recorded in one week last year).

We’ll be continuing those features and hope to add a few more in 2017 (I’m kicking around the idea of a segment focusing on local college baseball, for instance. If you have any interest in writing it, drop a line to [email protected] and we can explore it further).

We’d also like to step up our interactive game. We have “Connolly’s Tap Room,” which already has a loyal following and hopefully will continue to grow in patrons (all you have to do is register – it’s cost-free and hassle-free – and you can join in any discussion).

We’re always open to other coverage or interactive ideas, so let me know if there is something you think we are missing. No suggestion will be ignored.

And if you have a business and want to advertise with us – giving you a chance to get on the near-ground floor of something that is definitely trending upward while helping us continue that trend – well, that would be fantastic, too. Contact Steve at [email protected] to get more info on that.

Steve’s and my goal when this site started in late March was to provide something unique, something that diehard Oriole/baseball fans would love, but also casual fans could access easily as well.

Frankly, we weren’t sure if it would work. If there’d be an appetite for another Orioles site or, really, if anyone would care what I have to say about the team and Major League Baseball now that I’m no longer employed by the city’s newspaper of record.

Well, the response has been tremendous – and humbling. We were pleasantly surprised by our first month’s results in April: 150,000 page views. That tripled the next month. And did 10 times more per month by July. In our first nine months of existence, we’ve had almost nine million page views. At the outset of this endeavor, Steve and I thought if we could get 10 million page views in the first year, we’d be thrilled. And, now, it looks like we could easily surpass that lofty goal in our first 12 months.

Our podcasts are easily to find (and free) on iTunes. Our Facebook page has more than 10,000 likes and my Twitter account (danconnolly2016 – I’m not quite sure I want to change it after the luck we’ve had with it this past year) is closing in on 25,000 followers.

This all comes back to you people. Those of you who have read and watched and listened and commented at BaltimoreBaseball.com. Thank you so much for your support in 2016. Keep it up, and keep telling us what we should be doing better and how your experience with the site in 2017 can be improved.

For many, 2016 was not a banner year. For us, it was a great one, albeit a little scary.

We’re hoping to crush it in 2017. With your help. And with your interest in our always-evolving product. Happy 2017.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/01/03/tap-question-besides-world-series-whats-top- 2017-wish-os/

Tap-In Question: Besides a World Series, what’s your top 2017 wish for the O’s?

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com January 2, 2017

Shut the door softly on your way in. And read in whispers. I know some of you still have a pounding headache from New Year’s Eve partying and watching Mariah Carey’s career plummet like the Times Square ball.

Our minor-league reporter, Dean Jones Jr., had the best Mariah line of New Year’s Eve night, tweeting that he was hoping someone would save the pop diva from such embarrassment, but Zach Britton was still in the bullpen.

Too soon?

Anyway, we’ve made it to 2017, and am glad you are still with us, as I wrote here. So, the 2016 baseball season — languishing Britton and all — is in the rear-view mirror. It’s time to look forward to the upcoming year.

Heading into this offseason, my sense was that the Orioles wouldn’t do a whole lot. They’d get a catcher, would attempt to re-sign Mark Trumbo and try to find a right fielder who can get on base. I figured they’d also make some minor moves for organizational depth that would be met with shrugs.

It’s January, pitchers and catchers will report in six weeks; the Orioles have added a catcher (Welington Castillo), are still interested in Trumbo and a bevy of outfielders and have signed some organizational depth (Logan Verrett, Tomo Ohka, Logan Ondrusek, Adam Walker).

So, there’s obviously work to do. As I’ve written before, there’s no reason to panic. The Orioles and executive vice president Dan Duquette take their time filling holes, but, ultimately, will have a solid roster ready to go by April.

But since it is the beginning of 2017, and the air in the Tap Room is still a little hazy, I wanted to give you the opportunity to be a psychic and offer up your top primary wish/hope/dream for the Orioles in 2017.

I want you to be specific, going beyond the obvious dream that the Orioles win the World Series.

Give me one thing you want the team to accomplish in 2017, one that might get them there this year and beyond.

Is it bringing back Trumbo?

Is it signing an all-around hole-filler like Angel Pagan?

Is it extending Chris Tillman’s contract before he becomes a free agent at year’s end?

Is it signing Manny Machado to a long-term deal this year before he can walk after 2018?

Or signing Britton to a long-term deal for the same reason?

Or is it trading Britton or Machado this year to build for the future?

Or trading a bullpen piece for a veteran outfielder?

You are the customer at the Tap Room. You know what’s what. And I want to know what you think the Orioles’ No. 1 accomplishment should be in 2017.

Tap-In Question: Aside from winning the World Series, what’s the primary objective you want to see the Orioles accomplish in 2017?